Seap's action ensures document issuance for LGBTQIAPN+ individuals deprived of liberty
Promoted by the Social Assistance Coordination, the initiative reinforces inclusion policies and human rights in the prison system of Pará
The issuance of 60 documents - duplicate birth certificates and civil identity cards - for 35 individuals deprived of liberty, who are part of the LGBTQIAPN+ community, took place on the morning of this Wednesday (6), at the Santa Izabel VI Custody and Rehabilitation Unit (UCR Santa Izabel VI), in the Metropolitan Region of Belém.
The absence of documents is one of the most recurring obstacles among inmates in the penal system, especially among the LGBTQIAPN+ community. Many experience stories marked by social exclusion and multiple forms of discrimination, which hinders access to services and citizenship.
According to Giselly Alves, coordinator of the CAS (Social Assistance Coordination), the action carries significant meaning. "It represents a concrete action of citizenship and social inclusion. The need for Seap to promote this type of initiative is justified by various factors: guaranteeing fundamental rights, combating invisibility and discrimination, promoting human dignity, and preparing for social reintegration," she emphasized.
By promoting inclusive actions, Seap reaffirms its commitment to a penitentiary policy based on equity, human rights, and the promotion of citizenship for all groups under its custody.
Respect - For Natalia Bezerra Prazeres, social worker at UCR Santa Izabel VI, the action is a significant step in combating discrimination. "It represents progress in guaranteeing rights and recognizing such an important demand presented by individuals deprived of liberty who self-identify as transgender. The initiative represents a step forward in ensuring dignity and respect, presenting crucial implications for one's identity and how they will be recognized in society," she highlighted.
Through the action executed by the Secretariat, these individuals took a significant step in recognizing their identities in society. For many inmates, the issuance of documents represents not only civil regularization but also the recognition of their identities.
Ávilla Vinny Rabelo de Souza, 37 years old, stated that the action fosters "a sense of belonging within society. Today, being recognized, even by Seap, being called by our names, is very important. It shows that we have rights."
The inmate also emphasized that Seap's involvement is essential in the initiative. "The Secretariat is contributing in this way, also respecting our identity, respecting us as we are. This is very good for us, for our character, for our self-esteem, to be recognized by our name," concluded the inmate.
Access to public policies - With the assistance of the Civil Police of Pará in issuing the documents, the action is part of a set of measures adopted by CAS to guarantee fundamental rights within the prison system, especially for groups in greater vulnerability. Access to basic documentation is essential not only to formalize civil identity but also to enable entry into public policies in education, health, social assistance, and preparation for reintegration into society.
Among the various benefits of issuing these documents for LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in custody, the most notable are: access to rights and public policies, recognition of gender identity, prevention of violence and discrimination, facilitation of social reintegration, strengthening of autonomy, and emotional satisfaction.
Text: Fernanda Ferreira, intern, under the supervision of Fúvio Maurício - NCS/Seap
