Dear Friend,

Imagine if you or I lost our homes in the middle of this pandemic. Where would we go? How could any of us safely quarantine? Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) families are facing this exact stress in rural Gália, Brazil. They are fighting for their health and homes and they are asking for our solidarity.

As the Brazilian government refuses to protect citizens from COVID-19, communities are forced to dig mass graves to bury the virus’s victims. But rather than tackle the virus, wealthy elites are using their political connections to evict 77 families from their homes.

After years fighting for agrarian reform, the Luiz Beltrame de Castro families officially founded their settlement in 2013 and got recognition by the government body INCRA. The community transformed the land, rooting their work in social justice, solidarity, and agroecology. They have produced so much food that they were able to provide fresh vegetables for the local schools.

Now, the land’s former owner, Ivan Cassaro, has petitioned the courts to get these families evicted. Cassaro is one of the wealthiest bosses in Brazil’s printing industry and has close ties to far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

The court has already issued an eviction notice, and the police could enforce it any time between now and August. The MST families are confident global solidarity from people like you can turn the tide. Please add your voice to make sure no family has to lose their home amid this deadly pandemic.

In solidarity, Chung-Wha Hong Executive Director

P.S. Every moment between now and August could be the moment these families get evicted. Add your voice today and keep them safe, healthy, and in their homes.