On the Frontlines of Change: Day Two of Brazil’s International Seminar on Asbestos: A Socio-Legal Approach

Jorge Mamede Masseran, Fernanda Giannasi, and Lorena Vasconcelos Porto

Day Two of Brazil’s International Seminar on Asbestos: A Socio-Legal Approach focused on two panel sessions: “Moral Damages and Existential in Occupational Health,” and “The Criminal Actions Responsible for Environmental Disasters” promoted by the Asbestos Industry.”

This morning there were two panel sessions featuring legal prosecutors and judges discussing their views on the current labor laws, social, political and environmental injustice in the mining, production and use of asbestos in Brazil.

International representation shared very similar views, which strengthens the global effort that needs to occur in the world.

The first panel featured presentations from Labour Judge Guilherme Feliciano, Labour Prosecutor Ricardo Britto, Dr. João Gabriel Pimentel Lopes (ABREA), and Dr. Antonio José de Arruda Rebouças (DIESAT), with Des. João Batista Martins Cesar moderating.

In Brazil’s legal system, Dr. João Gabriel Pimentel Lopes shared “The struggle for the victims’ rights is a struggle for these bodies that suffer. Events like these show that bodies that suffer are also bodies that resist. Taking this struggle into the courts is a way to transform them bodies that matter”.

Labour Judge Guilherme Feliciano powerfully said, “Prevention has failed us. Now we discuss damages and harm.”

The second panel focused on the criminal actions against perpetrators of the asbestos disaster in Brazil. Speaker included Promoter of Justice Jorge Mamede Masseran; Dr. Roberto de Figueiredo Caldas, a lawyer with ABREA and Dr. Laura D’Amico, a lawyer for the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) and Italy’s Relatives Association of Asbestos Victims (AFEVA), with Lorena Vasconcelos Porto as the moderator.

Dr. Laura D’Amico reiterated the importance of information exchange especially when dealing with multinational corporate crimes. Also discussed, is the need for courts to challenge defense experts on junk science.

Pope Francis was quoted numerous times, but the essence of his messages is that man should be a defender of the environment.

I am so looking forward to connecting with over 200 victims and their families tomorrow for the “National Gathering of Relatives and Victims of Asbestos” where there will be victims from Brazil, Italy and the United States will discuss the challenges faced and activism.

Tomorrow I will join the “Representatives of International Delegations: The Anti-Asbestos Fight in Other Countries” panel which will include Dr. Barry Castleman (USA), Agata Mazzeo and Assunta Prato Italy, and Carmen Lima (Portugal).  I’ve been asked to focus on social media advocacy and strategic storytelling ADAO uses to raise awareness, shape policy, and build community.

I look forward joining the experts, advocates, and activists to strengthen collaborate efforts to end the asbestos man-made disaster.

We are all looking forward to strengthening global partnerships in our shared fight to prevent asbestos exposure and justice.

This won’t be a surprise to anyone who knows Fernanda Giannasi, but she is loved, revered, and enormously respected.

Check back tomorrow for an update of our final day in Brazil and photos of the event!

Linda