Brazil Advances Social Inclusion with New LGBTQIA+ Rights Policy and CNH Program in Pará
Brazil announces the National LGBTQIA+ Rights Policy and Pará's CNH Pai D'égua program, advancing social inclusion for marginalized groups.
- • Brazil's MDHC launched the National Policy on the Rights of LGBTQIA+ People to combat discrimination and promote full citizenship.
- • The policy includes creation of a National Network for LGBTQIA+ rights and Citizenship Houses for support services.
- • Pará's CNH Pai D'égua program issues free remunerated-use driver’s licenses, enabling recipients to work legally and improve incomes.
- • The program has benefited thousands, including app drivers and micro-entrepreneurs, with 60,000 free CNHs pledged across 144 municipalities.
Key details
Brazil has recently launched significant social inclusion policies targeting marginalized groups, reinforcing the government's commitment to equity and improved socio-economic conditions. The Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC) unveiled the National Policy on the Rights of LGBTQIA+ People during the 4th National Conference on LGBTQIA+ Rights in Brasília. This policy, formalized by Ordinance No. 1,825, aims to combat structural inequalities and ensure full citizenship for LGBTQIA+ individuals through an intersectoral action plan. Key components include promoting rights, confronting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and establishing the National Network for the Promotion, Protection, and Defense of LGBTQIA+ Rights. Additionally, the creation of LGBTQIA+ Citizenship Houses provides temporary housing and supportive services on health, education, and employment, directly addressing violence against LGBTQIA+ persons. Symmy Larrat, National Secretary for LGBTQIA+ Rights, emphasized that social participation and collaboration with civil society will guide policy implementation across all government levels.
Meanwhile, in Pará state, the CNH Pai D'égua program exemplifies social inclusion by granting 'Exerce Atividade Remunerada' (EAR) driver’s licenses free of charge to individuals, enabling them to work legally in remunerated activities. Since its launch, the program has empowered beneficiaries such as Selton Melo, who secured his ride-hailing job, and Elisana Avelar, who expanded her family's cheese business thanks to her new license. Paulo Sérgio Costa also leveraged the program to become an independent delivery motorcycle driver. The Pará government has committed to issuing 60,000 free CNHs across 144 municipalities, expanding the program to diverse workers, including atypical mothers.
Together, these initiatives reflect Brazil's ongoing efforts to foster social inclusion by recognizing and supporting marginalized populations through policy, social dialogue, and practical access to economic opportunities.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.