The following call was shared with the Global May Day mailing list today. Since the matter keeps developing, the following information might still be updated continuously in the next few weeks.
Dear comrades,
The Popular Organization Terra Liberta (Brazil) is reaching out to request your solidarity with the families of Vila Gomes, a working-class community in Fortaleza, Brazil, currently facing severe impacts linked to a project led by Fraport.
Fraport, a German multinational headquartered in Frankfurt, is developing a billion-dollar logistics complex near the Pinto Martins International Airport. The project has already resulted in the clearing of large areas of native forest.
The consequences are now being felt directly by the community.
After heavy rains, sections of the airport wall collapsed and floodwaters invaded Vila Gomes, destroying homes, furniture, and basic belongings. Families lost what they built over years of work. In the last days, the situation worsened. Families spent the entire night under flooding, and another part of the wall collapsed, affecting even more homes. Dozens of families are now dealing with displacement, material losses, and serious health risks. Residents have begun to resist. They organized a protest in front of the construction site and blocked the BR-116 highway, demanding immediate action and accountability.
Fraport operates in multiple countries, including Germany (Frankfurt), Brazil (Fortaleza and Porto Alegre), Peru (Lima), Turkey (Antalya), Bulgaria (Varna and Burgas), Slovenia (Ljubljana), India (Delhi), and the United States. We believe this international presence makes global solidarity essential.
We ask your organization to support this struggle through:
A public statement in solidarity with Vila Gomes families!
Actions or demonstrations in front of Fraport offices, airports, or related infrastructure!
Direct pressure initiatives, such as protests, pickets, or work stoppages where possible!
Sharing information through your networks and media channels!
For public communications, please use the hashtag #sosvilagomes and tag: @terraliberta.ce (instagram) | @terraliberta (X/twitter)
Our demands are:
Immediate suspension of construction works in the affected area!
Full support and compensation for all affected families!
Independent investigation into environmental and structural damages!
Protection and recovery of the remaining forest area!
The families of Vila Gomes are organized and resisting. International solidarity can help amplify their voices and increase pressure on those responsible.
We remain available for further information and coordination.
In solidarity, Popular Organization Terra Liberta Fortaleza – Ceará – Brazil
