Mariana Passuello

ND Mais • 1st March 2022

Five Brazilians escape Ukraine after plan orchestrated from Brazil

On Friday (25), Victor Adame and four Brazilian colleagues were in eastern Ukraine during Russia’s invasion of the country. By Monday (28), they had safely crossed the border into Slovakia after carrying out an escape plan designed by a peace strategist based in Florianópolis. Cerys Tramontini, director of the Paz & Mente Institute in Brazil, was hired to analyze, map out, and ensure the execution of the operation to evacuate the young Brazilians from the conflict zone.

NSC Total • 5th February 2023

Santa Catarina leaders take key roles in Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples

The newly created Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) includes two political representatives from Santa Catarina appointed to key positions. Joziléia Kaingang and Kerexu Yxapyry have long been Indigenous leaders in the state and, this month, took on roles as chief of staff at the ministry and Secretary for Indigenous Environmental and Territorial Rights, respectively.

NSC Total • 27th April 2023

Trans police officer to have “moral and professional competence” investigated

The first trans officer in the Military Police of Santa Catarina is facing disciplinary proceedings and will be investigated. Governor Jorginho Mello ordered the formation of a military panel to assess the officer and her “moral and professional competence.” Major Lumen Müller Lohn said she believes the measure may be discriminatory.

ND Mais • 1st September 2021

A place to call your own: smart and inclusive

In large-scale smart developments, the focus is often placed on a single target audience, with an emphasis on technology. However, the pursuit of everyday well-being goes beyond that. When we talk about an inclusive smart city and quality of life, we are thinking about all social groups.

NSC Total • 10th November 2022

Tension rises at Brazilian university after neo-Nazi incidents

Rising threats against jews, black people, women, and LGBTQ+ communities have become a central topic of concern among students, staff, and faculty over the past two weeks at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). The issue intensified after three students were arrested on suspicion of being part of a neo-Nazi cell. Since then, graffiti, messages, and symbols promoting neo-Nazism have been found in three departments across the university.

NSC Total • 5th March 2023

Rise in modern slavery cases in southern Brazil linked to labor reform and lack of oversight

The increase in cases of labor analogous to slavery in Santa Catarina in recent years has been driven by two main factors, according to Brazil’s Labor Prosecution Office (MPT). Acir Hack, regional coordinator of the National Commission for the Eradication of Slave Labor (Conaete), points to labor law reforms and insufficient preventive oversight as key drivers enabling exploitative working conditions that undermine workers’ rights and dignity.

NSC Total • 22nd April 2023

Obesity rates surge as Santa Catarina records over 398,000 patients with chronic condition

The number of people in Santa Catarina treated by Brazil’s public health system (SUS) rose from 28,000 in 2012 to 398,000 last year. This represents an increase of over 1,300% in the period, meaning that in 2022 at least five out of every 100 residents had a high body mass index (BMI). Experts interviewed for the report point to the rise of social media, increasing cases of anxiety and depression, and the accessibility of ultra-processed foods as key factors behind the growing number of obesity diagnoses.

NSC Total • 1st December 2022

Santa Catarina declares state of emergency after six days of heavy rainfall

The southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina declared a state of emergency on Thursday (1) after six consecutive days of intense rainfall. The measure was announced by Governor Carlos Moisés during a meeting at the state Civil Defense headquarters in Florianópolis. It is expected to facilitate emergency response efforts, support for affected communities, and recovery actions in impacted municipalities. Two people have died as a result of the storms.

ND Mais • 30th March 2022

When we have knowledge, we don’t let others walk over us,” says university student in southern Brazil

A special feature published during Diversity Week. Drica D’arc Meirelles, director of ADEH (Association for the Defense of Human Rights) in Florianópolis, is part of the 0.02% of transgender people in Brazil who are enrolled in higher education.

NSC Total • 29th May 2023

Rehabilitation clinic shut down over allegations of torture and unlawful confinement in southern Brazil

A rehabilitation clinic in Gravatal, in the southern state of Santa Catarina, was shut down by the Public Prosecutor’s Office amid allegations of torture, unlawful confinement, abuse, and other irregularities. Operating as a therapeutic community, the facility was intended for individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction, but was also treating patients diagnosed with mental health disorders. In total, 38 people were rescued from conditions involving human rights violations.

ND Mais • 15th March 2022

Hearing tests and surgeries may be suspended at children’s hospital in Florianópolis

As of Tuesday (15), the hearing devices at HIJG (Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão) are no longer certified for use. As a result, hearing exams and elective surgeries requiring the equipment may be suspended for an indefinite period.

NSC Total • 1st November 2022

Bolsonaro says he will uphold Constitution, calls for peaceful protests and does not mention Lula

President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday afternoon (1) that he would respect the Constitution, in his first public remarks after losing the presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro expressed a sense of injustice regarding the electoral process, endorsed protests on highways, and defended the right to freedom of movement. The speech took place at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília, after nearly two days of silence following the election result.

NSC Total • 18th November 2022

Unemployment in Santa Catarina is twice as high among Black population, IBGE data shows

Despite having the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 5.1%, an analysis by race highlights racial inequality among job seekers in Santa Catarina.

ND Mais • 23rd February 2022

Omicron variant and summer season keep Covid-19 transmission high in Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina continues to have 13 regions classified as high risk for Covid-19, according to a report from the State Health Secretariat (SES). The rise in transmission driven by the Omicron variant, along with increased mobility during the summer season, is contributing to the situation, according to State Health Secretary André Motta Ribeiro.