Operation “Curupira Mirim” strengthens the fight against child exploitation on Combu Island
Task force coordinated by Segup guides merchants and riverside communities as part of the preparatory actions for COP30 in Belém
The State Secretariat for Public Security and Social Defense (Segup), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) and various federal, state, and municipal agencies, brought the “Curupira Mirim” Operation to Combu Island in Belém on Monday (22). The action is part of the strategies for preventing and combating sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and adolescents, in preparation for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in November in the capital of Pará.
During the operation, commercial establishments on the island received technical visits with the distribution of informational material and guidance on identifying and reporting situations of violence involving children and adolescents. The main focus of the action is on riverside communities and areas of greater social vulnerability, strengthening the protection of children's and adolescents' rights.
According to the head of Segup, Ualame Machado, the operation adds to the annual calendar of actions for preventing and repressing crime, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable groups. “Segup is working with the Ministry of Justice to raise awareness among owners and employees of commercial establishments, who are essential allies of public safety. Our role is always to strengthen prevention so that crime does not occur,” said the secretary.
The operation is coordinated, within Segup, by the Directorate of Public Security Policies and Social Prevention (DPS). Delegate Ariane Santos, head of the area, reinforced the role of merchants in protecting children and adolescents. “It is essential that if they identify any suspicious situation, they use the support network and reporting channels for the necessary referrals,” emphasized the delegate.
Federal support and integration with society
The initiative has the active participation of the Ministry of Justice, which through the General Coordinator of Integrated Operations, Ricardo Kotama, highlighted the role of the population in eradicating crimes against children and adolescents.
“We count on the support of the entire society, not only from Belém but also from neighboring municipalities, to together build a safe environment. We inform about the legal implications if irregular situations occur in establishments and no action is taken,” emphasized Kotama.
The operation also had the presence of representatives from the Ministries of Tourism and Human Rights and Citizenship, who accompanied visits to local restaurants and hotels.
Support from the riverside community
Rita Pantoja, a local merchant, praised the task force's presence on Combu Island and recognized the importance of the preventive action. “This project is extremely important for us, merchants and community members. The partnership with the government is essential. I am deeply grateful, both as a mother, grandmother, and aunt, for the attention given to this cause,” she declared.
About the Curupira Mirim Operation
The action brings together public security agencies and entities defending the rights of children and adolescents. The following participate in the operation:
- Military Police (ostensive actions)
- Civil Police (judicial police activities)
- Military Fire Brigade
- Scientific Police
- State Committee for Combating Violence against Children and Adolescents in Pará
- State Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (CEDCA/PA)
The activities continue throughout September and are part of a set of inter-institutional actions aimed at ensuring the safety and rights of the youth population during the COP30 in Belém.
