Nathalia Urban (25 December 1987 – 27 September 2024) was a Brazilian journalist, activist and human rights campaigner.[1]
Nathalia Urban | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 December 1987 Santos, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Died | 27 September 2024 (aged 36) Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Body discovered | South Queensferry, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, campaigner and activist |
| Known for | Human rights activist |
Early life and education
editUrban was born in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. She was the daughter of a single mother and grew up in João Pessoa, Paraíba. She would go on to study women's rights and social movements in Latin America, themes that would later inspire her journalistic work.[2] Urban pursued studies in anthropology, social sciences and journalism at Federal University of Paraíba,[3] PUC São Paulo, and the Catholic University of Santos.[4]
Career
editJournalism
editUrban moved to the United Kingdom in 2013 and was a presenter on the Brasil 247 online news channel.[5] She was a regular presenter on programmes including Opera Mundi and Revista Fórum, focusing on Latin American politics and international politics.[4] Urban's written work featured in outlets including Brasil Wire,[6] Brasil 247, and Jacobin.[7][8]
As a journalist, she interviewed Brazilian president Lula da Silva and minister Celso Amorim.[4]
Activism
editUrban moved to Scotland in 2014.[2] While living in Scotland, she remained committed to political developments in her native country, speaking out against the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro[9] and deforestation in the Amazon.[10] In Scotland, she co-founded The Resist Brazil Scotland, a political group of Brazilian women dedicated to improving conditions in Brazil,[11] and raising awareness of Latin Americans in Scotland.[12]
Her experience as a migrant in the United Kingdom further encouraged her commitment to advocate for marginalized groups.[13] She described an experience while working in a beauty salon when a client made fun of her accent. When defended by another client, she was encouraged to continue her life in the country.[3] She was a founding trustee of Migrant Women Press (MWP), which trained migrant women to become journalists and writers.[14] In 2023, she became a board member of MWP.[2] Urban also worked for National Ugly Mugs (NUM), a charity advocating for safety and human rights for sex workers. At NUM, she launched a wellbeing centre in Scotland and established a framework of support services for sex workers in the country.[15]
In Scotland, Urban advocated for Scottish independence,[16] participating in Yes campaigns including All Under One Banner.[17] She served as a member of the Scottish National Party's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) network.[18]
Death
editOn 23 September 2024, Urban was scheduled to speak in Liverpool, England, at an event for a conference hosted by the Labour Party.[19] When she didn't attend, concerns were raised about her safety after she posted concerning messages on her X account. She additionally did not return to work at Brasil 247, despite being scheduled to do so.[20]
At 18:10 on 23 September, Urban was found after falling from the Forth Road bridge.[21] She was still alive and rushed to Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary. On 27 September, Urban's life support was turned off after she was found to have irreparable brain damage. Her organs were later donated.[20]
After Urban's death, Brazilian president Lula da Silva called on Police Scotland to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.[5] Jeremy Corbyn, former UK-Labour party leader, similarly called for an inquiry.[22]
"Nathalia was a fearless journalist. Her passing is a tragedy and saddens me greatly. I echo the call from President Lula for clarity."[5]
Police Scotland later indicated they were investigating evidence of domestic violence in relation to Urban's death.[23]
References
edit- ^ Ferguson, John. "Brazil President calls for investigation into tragic death of journalist in Edinburgh". www.dailyrecord.co.uk. Daily Record. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ a b c "Nathalia Urban (1987- 2024) A Young Life Devoted to Fighting Injustice – Migrant Women Press". Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Saiba quem era Nathalia Urban, jornalista que morreu aos 36 na Escócia". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 26 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ a b c scorinoco (28 September 2024). "Tribute to Nathália Urban". Orinoco Tribune - News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Ferguson, John; Farr, Jacob (29 September 2024). "Brazilian President calls for probe into journalist's death in Edinburgh". Edinburgh Live. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ BRASILWIRE (27 September 2024). "Nathália Urban Presente!". BRASILWIRE. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Hall, Daniel (28 September 2024). "Nathália Urban, Respected Brazilian Journalist and Activist, Passes Away in Edinburgh, Scotland". LSU Ambassadors. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "The Global Far Right Is Betting the House on Bolsonaro". jacobin.com. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "The Rise of Fascism in Bolsonaro's Brazil - Labour Outlook". labouroutlook.org. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Scotland, please help us Brazilians stand up for our human rights". The National. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Dude, Possil (28 February 2019). "Nathália Urban". Ungagged!. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Nathália Urban". Bella Caledonia. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "We're proud to support project giving platforms to more women of colour". The National. 6 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Brazilian president calls for probe into journalist's death in Edinburgh". The National. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "In Loving Memory of Nathália Urban – National Ugly Mugs". Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ "What's on in Scotland this week? Seven good ideas for seven days". The National. 14 February 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "AUOB to host online strategy meeting this week in run-up to Holyrood election". The National. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "'Profoundly heartbroken': Tributes pour in after death of journalist and SNP activist". The National. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Ferguson, John; Farr, Jacob (29 September 2024). "Brazilian President calls for probe into journalist's death in Edinburgh". Edinburgh Live. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Saiba quem era Nathalia Urban, jornalista que morreu aos 36 na Escócia". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 26 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Police Scotland". Edinburgh Live. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Brazilian president calls for probe into journalist's death in Edinburgh". The National. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Flockhart, Gary (29 September 2024). "Edinburgh: Brazil's president demands answers after death of 'outspoken' journalist in Edinburgh". Edinburgh Evening News.