Brazil marks 38 years of the 1988 Citizen Constitution

Brazil marks the 38th anniversary of the promulgation of its 1988 Federal Constitution, a document known as the ‘Citizen Constitution’ for establishing fundamental civil, political, and social rights.

The Tribunal de Justiça da Bahia (TJBA) is highlighting initiatives to uphold these rights through programs such as ‘TJBA Mais Júri’, ‘TJBA Protege’, ‘TJBA Acelera’, and ‘Justiça em Território’. These projects focus on protecting life, women's rights, and reducing inequalities. Notably, the TJBA Mais Júri project has conducted 1,250 plenary sessions between January and September 2026, including the conviction of defendants involved in the death of quilombola leader Maria Bernadete Pacífico Moreira.

However, observers note ongoing tensions regarding the enforcement of these constitutional guarantees. Indigenous and traditional community mobilizations continue to demand the effective implementation of original rights, particularly concerning land and territory. Critics point to rising political and economic pressures that seek to restrict established protections and revive social prejudices such as racism and misogyny.