Senate Advances Digital Inclusion Program for Quilombola, Indigenous, and Riverside Communities
The Brazilian Senate's Human Rights Commission will review a bill creating the Transformação Digital program aimed at enhancing digital inclusion for quilombola, Indigenous, and ribeirinho communities, emphasizing community participation, connectivity expansion, and cultural preservation.
- • The CDH will analyze a bill establishing the Transformação Digital program for digital inclusion of quilombola, Indigenous, and ribeirinho communities.
- • The program focuses on expanding internet connectivity, community management involvement, and promoting technological projects linked to local culture and production.
- • A management council including government and community representatives will oversee the program, funded by federal sources and donations.
- • Separately, a public hearing will discuss inclusive education for visually impaired students, focusing on accessible materials and Brazil’s constitutional educational rights.
Key details
The Human Rights Commission (CDH) of the Brazilian Senate is set to examine a legislative proposal aimed at bridging the digital divide for marginalized communities, including quilombolas, Indigenous peoples, and ribeirinhos (riverine populations). The bill, PL 1.153/2025, introduces the Transformação Digital program to enhance access to internet-based information and communication technologies for these remote and traditionally underserved groups.
The program emphasizes the direct participation of community members in management, ensuring initiatives align with local needs and cultural contexts. It prioritizes expanding internet connectivity infrastructure in difficult-to-access areas and supports technological projects that promote local production, commerce, and cultural heritage preservation through digital content.
To govern the program's execution, a management council will be formed, composed of representatives from the federal government, beneficiary communities, civil society, universities, and international partners. Funding will come from the federal government as well as from national and international donations. Senator Jader Barbalho (MDB-PA) introduced the bill, which has earned favorable support from rapporteur Senator Astronauta Marcos Pontes (PL-SP). Following CDH review, it will proceed to the Science and Technology Commission (CCT) for further analysis.
This initiative reflects Brazil’s growing legislative focus on ensuring marginalized communities gain equitable access to digital resources and inclusion in the information society.
Separately, on February 24, a public hearing organized by the Commission for the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will focus on inclusive education policies for visually impaired students. Deputy Rodrigo Rollemberg (PSB-DF) spearheads discussions around the availability of Braille and accessible materials for the 2026 school year, underscoring the constitutional right to education and Brazil’s legal commitments under the Inclusion Law. This highlights parallel governmental efforts to foster inclusion for other marginalized groups in educational settings.
Together, these legislative and policy initiatives signal Brazil’s advancing commitment to digital and educational inclusion tailored for the country's diverse vulnerable populations.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
