The protection of people threatened with death is a fundamental aspect of law enforcement and public security. This workshop will bring together academics, civil servants, legal practitioners, human rights activists and authorities from Brazil and South Africa to discuss the use of evidence for the implementation and improvement of programmes and policies protecting witnesses, victims, children and human rights activists.

Please note the following important information:

• Abstracts (250-500 words) should be submitted no later than the extended deadline of 15th February 2026. You will be informed shortly after if your abstract has been selected.
• Presentations should be in English and can be delivered online or on campus. There will be online and hybrid sessions in the programme.
• After the workshop, selected papers will be considered for publication in an edited collection.
• Please send all abstracts to: fazevedo@letras.up.pt with copy to marcus.dematos@brunel.ac.uk

Confirmed international speakers: 

• Professor Tshepo Madlingozi – Commissioner, South African Human Rights Commission. 
• Professor Alexandre Brasil Carvalho da Fonseca – Director in the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC), former National Secretary for Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. 

This workshop is funded by the British Academy Evidence informed Policymaking grant 2025.   March 5-6, 2026. Brunel University of London

Organising Committee:

• Fernanda Sthel
• Gabriela Azevedo
• Luciane Soares
• Marcus V. A. B De Matos
• Omhle Ntshingila
• Sithuthukile Mkhize

Please share this call for abstracts with those who might be of interest.