During the meeting, the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA) shared progress on the Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support At-Risk Educators and promoted adherence to the Commitment Letter for their effective implementation across the region.
On May 21, the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA) participated in the annual meeting of the Southeast Regional Chapter of the National Forum of Research and Graduate Studies Vice-Chancellors (FOPROP), held at the Innovation Agency of the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.
The meeting brought together approximately 60 representatives from higher education institutions across the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. Its objective was to strengthen regional coordination around science, technology, and innovation policies, contributing to the reduction of asymmetries and the strengthening of research and graduate studies management. The Southeast Regional Chapter of FOPROP currently includes 97 member institutions.
Representing CAFA, Executive Director Camilla Croso participated in the roundtable discussion “Coalition for Refugee Researchers in Brazil: Experiences to Share,” which focused on the potential role of Brazilian higher education institutions in hosting educators and researchers at risk. The session also featured Luis Cristóvão de Moraes Sobrino Pôrto, Coordinator of International Affairs at the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), and was moderated by Professor Mônica Savedra, Vice-Rector for Research and Graduate Studies at UFF.
During her presentation, Camilla Croso introduced the progress made in the development and dissemination of the Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support At-Risk Educators in Latin America, published by CAFA in October 2025. She also shared experiences and initiatives that can be replicated by higher education institutions to strengthen protection and hosting mechanisms for educators, researchers, and scholars facing persecution, violence, or forced displacement.
“It was encouraging to witness the strong commitment and interest demonstrated by many of the authorities present in advancing an ecosystem for hosting at-risk academics in Latin America. There is still a long road ahead, but there was a clear recognition of the need to implement coordinated national and regional strategies based on collaboration,” stated Croso.
CAFA’s participation in the meeting is part of the Coalition’s broader efforts to strengthen regional mechanisms for the protection of academic freedom and to promote safe environments—grounded in human rights, democracy, and scientific rigor—for the production, circulation, and recognition of knowledge across Latin America.
Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support At-Risk Educators in Latin America
The publication Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support At-Risk Educators in Latin America provides guidance for universities and educational institutions seeking to develop hosting and protection policies that contribute to strengthening academic freedom in the region. Its purpose is to place educators themselves at the center of support initiatives, ensuring that those facing situations of risk do not feel isolated or abandoned. In addition to offering institutional recommendations, the guidelines promote the creation of solidarity networks and mutual support mechanisms to address violations of academic freedom.
Commitment Letter
During her presentation, CAFA’s Executive Director also highlighted the Commitment Letter for the Effective Implementation of the Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support At-Risk Educators in Latin America, an initiative aimed at higher education institutions interested in concretely implementing the recommendations contained in the guidelines. To date, more than 30 institutions have signed the letter.
Institutions interested in joining this initiative may contact CAFA at: camilla.croso@cafa-claa.org.
Read more:
- News: Guidelines reinforce regional commitment to welcoming educators at risk
- Letter of Commitment – Spanish version
- Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support Educators at Risk in Latin America – full document
- Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support Educators at Risk in Latin America – full document – Spanish version
- Guidelines for Policies and Actions to Support Educators at Risk in Latin America – full document – Portuguese version
- Letter of Commitment – Portuguese version