Paulo Sérgio Santos

Paulo Sérgio Santos, 42-year-old, a leader of a Quilombo Afro-Brazilian, was shot dead on July 06, 2014, inside his residence, in the Municipality of Nova Viçosa, Bahia state.

Sources quote people connected with his community who said Paulo was due to take part in a hearing against in a case  the cellulose company Fibra.

This company was claiming ownership of the lands occupied by the community, however, the Quilombola residents affirmed these have belonged to their ancestors for generations, consequently they belong to the community by inheritance. There should be documents which confirm that situation.

The cellulose companies control more than 70% of the lands of Brazilian Quilombos, in this region. Another relevant fact is the lack of official support for the community, which increases the land conflict.


If you would like to provide a personal recollection, please email us at: HRDMemorial@frontlinedefenders.org

Region:Americas

Country:Brazil

Department/Province/State:Bahia

Sex1:Male

Age:42

Date of Killing:06/07/2014

Previous Threats:No information

Type of Work:Community leader

Organisation:Assentamento Nelson Mandela

Sector or Type of Rights the HRD Worked On:ESC Rights

Sector Detail:Land Rights

More information:Front Line Defenders

1This database records an individual's chosen gender identity. If they do not self-identify as male or female they can use the option of recording other/neither or use the term NBGI (non binary gender identity).