Sao Paulo [Brazil], May 29 (ANI): Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday welcomed new data from the 2026 Violence Atlas, which shows that Brazil has recorded the lowest homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants in its historical series. The report was released by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) and the Brazilian Forum on Public Security.

In a post on social media, Lula said the figures reflect ongoing federal efforts to strengthen public security and reduce violent crime across the country. He noted that the 2024 reference data marks a significant improvement in key safety indicators, including intentional homicides and deaths resulting from robberies.

According to the president, Brazil also registered the lowest level of such crimes in the past decade during the first quarter of 2026, based on updated data from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. While acknowledging that overall homicide numbers remain high, Lula said the downward trend signals progress driven by coordinated policy measures, as per the reports of Brasil 247.

He outlined several government initiatives aimed at tackling organised crime, including the Anti-Faction Law, which strengthens penalties and accelerates asset seizure from criminal groups. He also highlighted the 'Brazil Against Organized Crime' programme, which is expected to invest around R$11 billion in 2026 to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt their financial structures.

Lula further pointed to the proposed Public Security Amendment currently under review in the Senate, saying it would expand federal capacity in national security coordination. He also cited the National Pact against Femicide, which he said has already produced 'important results' across institutions within its first 100 days.

The president also emphasised the strengthening of federal security agencies, including the Federal Police and Federal Highway Police, with increased resources, staffing and intelligence capabilities supporting operations against drug trafficking and illicit financial flows.

International cooperation efforts were also highlighted, including the Amazon International Police Cooperation Center, which unites nine Pan-Amazon countries and nine Brazilian states to combat environmental crimes, drug trafficking and illegal mining. (ANI)