President Temer to Declare Social Emergency in Roraima After Refugee Crisis

02/15/2018 - 10h31

In an attempt to make a mark in the area of public security, President Michel Temer became personally involved in the crisis of Venezuelan refugees and will declare a state of social emergency in the state of Roraima.

On Friday, February 16, a provisional measure will be issued to create the legal act allowing the immediate transfer of federal resources and the use of the country's Armed Forces to coordinate the humanitarian actions.

Last week, President Temer sent a group of cabinet ministers to the state capital, Boa Vista, to evaluate the situation of some 40,000 Venezuelans who crossed the border into Brazil.

On Monday, February 12, Temer went to Roraima; however, he did not visit the shelters or the square where the refugees have set up camp.

Facing a 70% rejection of the Brazilian people, President Temer has been using public security as a way to improve the image of his administration as the issue is currently pointed as one of Brazilians' main worries.

Temer intends to create the Ministry of Public Security in March and approve measures in Congress this year such as harsher sentences for crimes of high risk. He also intends to monitor the conversations between the leaders of major gangs in federal prisons.

On Wednesday, February 14, President Temer met with a team of cabinet ministers to define details in the operation to be carried out in border zones.

The government will double, from 100 to 200, the number of troops and send a field hospital to the region, where appointments and surgeries can be performed. The investment is likely to reach R$ 15 million (US$ 4.5 million).

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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	Danilo Verpa/Folhapress
	Temer sent a group of cabinet ministers to the state capital, Boa Vista, to evaluate the situation of some 40,000 Venezuelans who crossed the border into Brazil