Reivindicação

Reivindicação is a Portuguese term that generally refers to a claim, demand, or assertion of a right, property, or benefit. The word derives from the verb “reivindicar,” which means to assert, demand, or reclaim something that is believed to belong to the claimant. In legal contexts, a reivindicação is a formal request made by an individual or entity to the state, an organization, or a private party to enforce or protect an asserted right. It can appear in civil law documents such as property disputes, contract disputes, or claims for damages. Brazilian juridical texts, for instance, use the term to describe the act of asserting a legal claim in court, often referred to as a “ação de reivindicação” or claim action.

In addition to its legal use, the word is commonly found in political and social discourse where it denotes protests or movements that demand recognition of rights or resources. In labor contexts a reivindicação may refer to a worker’s demand for better wages or conditions. Cultural references also use the term to describe the reclaiming of cultural heritage or identity.

The term appears in official documents, legislation, and public statements, and its precise meaning depends on the domain. In legal proceedings it is closely linked to procedural rights under the Brazilian civil code, whereas in activism it is part of the vocabulary of movements seeking social justice. The concept underscores the importance of asserting, protecting, and enforcing entitlements within a society.