In 1992, ten waste pickers were murdered in Barranquilla, Colombia, by professors and students that wanted to study their bodies. The victims – the majority homeless – were taken to the university and were promised support and solidarity in return. Many waste pickers are brutally murdered every day across the world – many as a result of unsafe work conditions, extreme exploitation, and immense prejudice that still exists about our work. Here in Brazil, from 2007 until this date, ten waste pickers have died – proof of the apathy plaguing our municipal governments. Thus, far from providing a motive for celebration, we continue to fight. March 1st reminds us that the path to victory is still a utopian ideal, but with our strength and struggle, we will conquer our rights to live with dignity and for recognition of our work. Far from a celebration, March 1st is a day to fight! Access the complete article (in Portuguese).
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