Positive work can sometimes be overshadowed amidst civil unrest. After a night where civil society in Brazil took to the streets to demand greater accountability of their government and a stronger fight against corruption, legislators from that very country were gathering in the National Congress to officially launch GOPAC Brazil.

It was clear during the meeting that the multi-party legislators understood that to succeed they would need to work not only with each other but also with all members of society in Brazil. “We want the participation of society showing the way,” said newly elected Chair, Rep Antonio Carlos Mendes Thame. “With the consciousness of society, we can have positive results and be capable of reaping rewards.”

In addition to the launch, the new GOPAC members participated in a workshop on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which Brazil ratified in 2005.

Through this workshop our members gained a greater understanding of the convention and how to ensure its government is living up to its commitments.

We congratulate Rep Mendes Thame and Vice-Chair Humberto Costa who have taken on the task of leading this eager group of legislators. They are joined on the executive by five regional Vice-Chairs: Rep Perpétua Almeida, Rep Efraim Filho, Rep Alfredo Sirkis, Rep Luiz Pitmann, Rep Osmar Serraglio; and the following members of the executive: Rep Francisco Praciano, Rep Rubens Bueno, Rep Felipe Maia, Rep Nelson Marchezan Junior, Rep Nelson Pelegrino.

We commend our new members in Brazil and GOPAC Latin America and the Caribbean for growing the anti-corruption movement and helping build an even stronger coalition to fight corruption around the world. GOPAC Brazil marks our sixth chapter in the region.