| BRAZIL Federative Republic of Brazil Republica Federativa do Brasil Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/03/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Brasilia
198,739,269
note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a population of
169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than projections by the US Census
Bureau, and is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census
(July 2009 est.)
note: Brazil conducted a census in August 2000, which reported a population of
169,872,855; that figure was about 3.8% lower than projections by the US Census
Bureau, and is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census
(July 2009 est.)
Dilma Vana Rousseff
President since 1 January 2011
President since 1 January 2011
President and vice president elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 3
October 2010 with runoff 31 October 2010
Next scheduled election: October 2014
popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 3
October 2010 with runoff 31 October 2010
Next scheduled election: October 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Michel Miguel Elias Temer Lulia
Vice President since 1 January 2011
Vice President since 1 January 2011
The president is both The chief of state and head of government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
White 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%,
unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)
unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spiritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified
0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)
0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Federative Republic, with 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Legal system is
based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected for single four year term; Election last held 3 October 2010 with a run off on 31
October 2010; Next election: October 2014
Legislative: Bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of The Federal Senate or Senado Federal
(81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to The principle of majority to serve
eight-year terms; one-third elected after a four-year period, two-thirds elected after The next four-year period) and The
Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to
serve four-year terms)
Last election: Federal Senate - last held 3 October 2010 for one-third of The Senate (next to be held October 2012 for
two-thirds of The Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 3 October 2010 (next to be held October 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed for life by The president and confirmed by The Senate);
Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life,"
judges, like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70
based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected for single four year term; Election last held 3 October 2010 with a run off on 31
October 2010; Next election: October 2014
Legislative: Bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of The Federal Senate or Senado Federal
(81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to The principle of majority to serve
eight-year terms; one-third elected after a four-year period, two-thirds elected after The next four-year period) and The
Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to
serve four-year terms)
Last election: Federal Senate - last held 3 October 2010 for one-third of The Senate (next to be held October 2012 for
two-thirds of The Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 3 October 2010 (next to be held October 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed for life by The president and confirmed by The Senate);
Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life,"
judges, like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70
| LANGUAGES |
Portuguese (official), less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese,
English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages
English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy
outweighs that of all other South American countries and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003,
Brazil has steadily improved macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, reducing its debt profile by shifting its
debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments, adhering to an inflation target, and committing to
fiscal responsibility. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade
status to its debt. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Braxil in September
2008. Brazil's currency and its stock market - Bovespa - saw large swings as foreign investors pulled resources out of
Brazil. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled
and external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and
investor confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in the second quarter, 2009. The Central Bank expects
growth of 5% for 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Brazil)
outweighs that of all other South American countries and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003,
Brazil has steadily improved macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, reducing its debt profile by shifting its
debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments, adhering to an inflation target, and committing to
fiscal responsibility. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade
status to its debt. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Braxil in September
2008. Brazil's currency and its stock market - Bovespa - saw large swings as foreign investors pulled resources out of
Brazil. Brazil experienced two quarters of recession, as global demand for Brazil's commodity-based exports dwindled
and external credit dried up. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and
investor confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in the second quarter, 2009. The Central Bank expects
growth of 5% for 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Brazil)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In 2002, at his fourth attempt, Lula was elected president. In part his victory was derived from the considerable
unpopularity of Cardoso's second term, which failed to decrease the economic inequality, and in part from a softening of
his and the party's radical stance, including a vice-presidential candidate from the Liberal Party, acceptance of an
International Monetary Fund (IMF) accord agreed to by the previous government and a line of discourse friendly to the
financial markets.
Despite some achievements in solving part of the country's biggest problems, his term was plagued by multiple corruption
scandals that rocked his cabinet, forcing some members to resign their posts.
In 2006 Lula regained part of his popularity and ran for re-election. After almost winning on the first round, he won the
run-off against Geraldo Alckmin from the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), by a margin of 20 million votes.and
other.
On 31 October 2010, Brazil elected Dilma Rousseff, Lula's Chief of Staff and the first woman elected to the position of
president in Brazil.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Brazil
unpopularity of Cardoso's second term, which failed to decrease the economic inequality, and in part from a softening of
his and the party's radical stance, including a vice-presidential candidate from the Liberal Party, acceptance of an
International Monetary Fund (IMF) accord agreed to by the previous government and a line of discourse friendly to the
financial markets.
Despite some achievements in solving part of the country's biggest problems, his term was plagued by multiple corruption
scandals that rocked his cabinet, forcing some members to resign their posts.
In 2006 Lula regained part of his popularity and ran for re-election. After almost winning on the first round, he won the
run-off against Geraldo Alckmin from the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), by a margin of 20 million votes.and
other.
On 31 October 2010, Brazil elected Dilma Rousseff, Lula's Chief of Staff and the first woman elected to the position of
president in Brazil.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Brazil
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and
illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay
over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the
235 square kilometer Invernada River region over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim
River; the Itaipu Dam reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay boundary west of Guaira Falls
on the Rio Parana; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio
Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute
illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; two uncontested boundary disputes with Uruguay
over Isla Brasilera at the tripoint with Argentina at the confluence of the Quarai/Cuareim and Uruguay rivers, and in the
235 square kilometer Invernada River region over which tributary represents the legitimate source of the Quarai/Cuareim
River; the Itaipu Dam reservoir covers over a once contested section of Brazil-Paraguay boundary west of Guaira Falls
on the Rio Parana; an accord placed the long-disputed Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Rio
Mamore, under Bolivian administration in 1958, but sovereignty remains in dispute
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Second-largest consumer of cocaine in the world; illicit producer of cannabis; trace amounts of coca cultivation in the
Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis;
important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by
traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence
and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are
often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)
Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis;
important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe; also used by
traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence
and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds are
often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area (2008)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Brazil
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Brazil is a constitutional federal republic with a population of approximately 192 million. In 2006 voters reelected President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers' Party to a second four-year term in a generally free and fair election. While civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the federal security forces, state-level security forces committed numerous human rights
abuses.
The federal government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there continued to be numerous, serious
abuses, and the records of several state governments were poor. The following human rights problems were reported:
Human rights violators often enjoyed impunity.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Brazil is a constitutional federal republic with a population of approximately 192 million. In 2006 voters reelected President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers' Party to a second four-year term in a generally free and fair election. While civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the federal security forces, state-level security forces committed numerous human rights
abuses.
The federal government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there continued to be numerous, serious
abuses, and the records of several state governments were poor. The following human rights problems were reported:
- unlawful killings, excessive force, beatings, abuse, and torture of detainees and inmates by police and prison security forces;
- inability to protect witnesses involved in criminal cases;
- harsh prison conditions;
- prolonged pretrial detention and inordinate delays of trials;
- reluctance to prosecute as well as inefficiency in prosecuting government officials for corruption;
- violence and discrimination against women;
- violence against children, including sexual abuse;
- trafficking in persons;
- discrimination against indigenous persons and minorities;
- failure to enforce labor laws;
- widespread forced labor;
- child labor in the informal sector.
Human rights violators often enjoyed impunity.
Click here to read more »
22 May 2009
COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
Forty-second session Geneva, 4-22 May 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLES 16 AND 17 OF THE
COVENANT
Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Brazil
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of the State party and the opportunity to engage in a
constructive dialogue with the State party. The Committee also welcomes the State party’s written replies to its list of issues, as
well as the responses provided by the multisectoral delegation of the State party to the Committee’s oral questions.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the legislative and other measures adopted by the State party since the examination of its initial report,
including the following:
(a) the “Maria da Penha Law”, passed in 2006, which provides for the repression of domestic and family violence against women,
for protective measures and for assistance to victims;
(b) the removal from the Penal Code of the discriminatory concept of an “honest woman”, previously applied in certain cases of
sexual violence against women;
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the covenant
6. The Committee notes the absence of any significant factors or difficulties impeding the effective implementation of the Covenant
in the State party.
D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee notes with concern that the Council on the Defence of the Rights of the Human Person has yet to comply with
the 1993 Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles).
The Committee recommends that the State party adopt the necessary measures, legislative or otherwise, to enable the Council on
the Defence of the Rights of the Human Person to fully conform to the Paris Principles. The Committee also urges the State party
to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights are fully covered by the mandate of the Council on the Defence of the Rights of
the Human Person and that the necessary resources are allocated for its effective functioning.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
Forty-second session Geneva, 4-22 May 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLES 16 AND 17 OF THE
COVENANT
Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Brazil
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of the State party and the opportunity to engage in a
constructive dialogue with the State party. The Committee also welcomes the State party’s written replies to its list of issues, as
well as the responses provided by the multisectoral delegation of the State party to the Committee’s oral questions.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the legislative and other measures adopted by the State party since the examination of its initial report,
including the following:
(a) the “Maria da Penha Law”, passed in 2006, which provides for the repression of domestic and family violence against women,
for protective measures and for assistance to victims;
(b) the removal from the Penal Code of the discriminatory concept of an “honest woman”, previously applied in certain cases of
sexual violence against women;
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the covenant
6. The Committee notes the absence of any significant factors or difficulties impeding the effective implementation of the Covenant
in the State party.
D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee notes with concern that the Council on the Defence of the Rights of the Human Person has yet to comply with
the 1993 Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles).
The Committee recommends that the State party adopt the necessary measures, legislative or otherwise, to enable the Council on
the Defence of the Rights of the Human Person to fully conform to the Paris Principles. The Committee also urges the State party
to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights are fully covered by the mandate of the Council on the Defence of the Rights of
the Human Person and that the necessary resources are allocated for its effective functioning.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD- 2010
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva unveiled plans for social spending and increased state control over the oil sector in 2009 as he
sought to bolster popular support for his chosen successor ahead of the 2010 presidential election. Criminal violence remained an
immense problem in Brazil’s major cities during the year, and official corruption continued to stoke political debate.
In August 2007, the government released a report outlining the fate of political dissidents who were “disappeared” by the military
between 1961 and 1988. Unlike in other Latin American countries with recent histories of military rule, former officials in Brazil
remained protected by a 1979 amnesty law, and none had faced charges for human rights violations. In response to increasing
pressure from victims’ families, however, da Silva in October 2009 announced plans to create a truth commission to investigate
crimes committed during the military regime. The exact mandate and powers of the proposed panel remained unclear at year’s end.
In municipal elections held in October 2008, the ruling coalition won nearly two-thirds of the mayoral races, a 36 percent increase
from the 2004 local polls. However, despite da Silva’s explicit backing, the PT’s candidate for mayor of Sao Paulo, Marta Suplicy,
lost to incumbent Gilberto Kassab of the conservative Democratic Party. As mayors are traditionally important vote-gatherers for
presidential elections, Kassab’s victory represented an important loss for the PT.
A series of major government corruption scandals that began in 2004 continued into 2009. The earlier affairs had involved vote-
buying and kickbacks for public-works contracts, but the Senate faced new scrutiny in 2009 over some 660 “secret acts” it had
passed since 1995 to award jobs, salary increases, and other benefits to staff members and senators’ relatives. The leader of the
Senate, former president Jose Sarney, was accused of personally benefiting from such measures. Despite calls for his resignation,
Sarney held on to his seat with da Silva’s support. However, the president’s decision to back Sarney, whose Brazilian Democratic
Movement Party (PMDB) was a crucial component of his ruling coalition, alienated many in the PT. In November 2009, the
governor of the Federal District—the quasi-state that includes the capital Brasilia—was accused of accepting bribes.
In August 2009, da Silva announced plans to channel Brazil’s burgeoning oil revenues into poverty-reduction programs and
augment the role of the state oil company at the expense of foreign investors. The proposed legislation was seen in part as an effort
to rally public support behind the administration and specifically da Silva’s chief of staff, Dilma Rousseff, who was expected to run
as his successor in the 2010 presidential election.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva unveiled plans for social spending and increased state control over the oil sector in 2009 as he
sought to bolster popular support for his chosen successor ahead of the 2010 presidential election. Criminal violence remained an
immense problem in Brazil’s major cities during the year, and official corruption continued to stoke political debate.
In August 2007, the government released a report outlining the fate of political dissidents who were “disappeared” by the military
between 1961 and 1988. Unlike in other Latin American countries with recent histories of military rule, former officials in Brazil
remained protected by a 1979 amnesty law, and none had faced charges for human rights violations. In response to increasing
pressure from victims’ families, however, da Silva in October 2009 announced plans to create a truth commission to investigate
crimes committed during the military regime. The exact mandate and powers of the proposed panel remained unclear at year’s end.
In municipal elections held in October 2008, the ruling coalition won nearly two-thirds of the mayoral races, a 36 percent increase
from the 2004 local polls. However, despite da Silva’s explicit backing, the PT’s candidate for mayor of Sao Paulo, Marta Suplicy,
lost to incumbent Gilberto Kassab of the conservative Democratic Party. As mayors are traditionally important vote-gatherers for
presidential elections, Kassab’s victory represented an important loss for the PT.
A series of major government corruption scandals that began in 2004 continued into 2009. The earlier affairs had involved vote-
buying and kickbacks for public-works contracts, but the Senate faced new scrutiny in 2009 over some 660 “secret acts” it had
passed since 1995 to award jobs, salary increases, and other benefits to staff members and senators’ relatives. The leader of the
Senate, former president Jose Sarney, was accused of personally benefiting from such measures. Despite calls for his resignation,
Sarney held on to his seat with da Silva’s support. However, the president’s decision to back Sarney, whose Brazilian Democratic
Movement Party (PMDB) was a crucial component of his ruling coalition, alienated many in the PT. In November 2009, the
governor of the Federal District—the quasi-state that includes the capital Brasilia—was accused of accepting bribes.
In August 2009, da Silva announced plans to channel Brazil’s burgeoning oil revenues into poverty-reduction programs and
augment the role of the state oil company at the expense of foreign investors. The proposed legislation was seen in part as an effort
to rally public support behind the administration and specifically da Silva’s chief of staff, Dilma Rousseff, who was expected to run
as his successor in the 2010 presidential election.
Click here to read more »
27 April 2010
Brazil: Will Brazil finally address the crimes of its past?
On 28 April, the Brazilian Supreme Court will be ruling on interpretations of the 1979 Amnesty law, which have protected state
officials accused of torture, killings and rape during the military regime.
It is extraordinary that in the twenty-first century, doubts persist around the acceptability of these crimes. International law and the
Brazilian constitution are crystal clear on this issue. Systematic or widespread acts of torture, enforced disappearances,
extra-judicial executions and rape are crimes against humanity, and as such they cannot be subject to amnesties or statutes of
limitations.
It is hoped that the Brazilian Supreme Court recognises that to investigate and try those responsible for these crimes is essential to
ensure justice, truth and reparations for the victims and their families, while bringing Brazil into line with a raft of international
treaties to which it is a party.
The move would also send a clear signal that the widespread culture of impunity for grave violations that persists to this day is no
longer acceptable in a modern, forward-looking state like Brazil.
After decades of silence, this judgement, along with other government proposals aimed at addressing the crimes of the past, gives
hope that justice, truth and reparations will finally be attained.
Attempts to block this process, especially by some in the military, threaten not only the rule of law in Brazil, but the very idea of
human rights. Even the newly launched third national human rights plan has been jeopardised by vehement attacks against proposals
to address crimes of the past.
As a country that is endeavouring to build a strong reputation on the world stage as a progressive, prosperous nation, the provision
of fundamental human rights can no longer be questioned. It now falls to the Brazilian Supreme Court to reinforce the centrality and
importance of human rights in Brazilian legislation. Only then will all Brazilians be able to live without fear of their own government
justifying the use of violence against them.
On 28 April, the Brazilian Supreme Court will be ruling on interpretations of the 1979 Amnesty law, which have protected state
officials accused of torture, killings and rape during the military regime.
It is extraordinary that in the twenty-first century, doubts persist around the acceptability of these crimes. International law and the
Brazilian constitution are crystal clear on this issue. Systematic or widespread acts of torture, enforced disappearances,
extra-judicial executions and rape are crimes against humanity, and as such they cannot be subject to amnesties or statutes of
limitations.
Click here to read more »
Brazil: Will Brazil finally address the crimes of its past?
On 28 April, the Brazilian Supreme Court will be ruling on interpretations of the 1979 Amnesty law, which have protected state
officials accused of torture, killings and rape during the military regime.
It is extraordinary that in the twenty-first century, doubts persist around the acceptability of these crimes. International law and the
Brazilian constitution are crystal clear on this issue. Systematic or widespread acts of torture, enforced disappearances,
extra-judicial executions and rape are crimes against humanity, and as such they cannot be subject to amnesties or statutes of
limitations.
It is hoped that the Brazilian Supreme Court recognises that to investigate and try those responsible for these crimes is essential to
ensure justice, truth and reparations for the victims and their families, while bringing Brazil into line with a raft of international
treaties to which it is a party.
The move would also send a clear signal that the widespread culture of impunity for grave violations that persists to this day is no
longer acceptable in a modern, forward-looking state like Brazil.
After decades of silence, this judgement, along with other government proposals aimed at addressing the crimes of the past, gives
hope that justice, truth and reparations will finally be attained.
Attempts to block this process, especially by some in the military, threaten not only the rule of law in Brazil, but the very idea of
human rights. Even the newly launched third national human rights plan has been jeopardised by vehement attacks against proposals
to address crimes of the past.
As a country that is endeavouring to build a strong reputation on the world stage as a progressive, prosperous nation, the provision
of fundamental human rights can no longer be questioned. It now falls to the Brazilian Supreme Court to reinforce the centrality and
importance of human rights in Brazilian legislation. Only then will all Brazilians be able to live without fear of their own government
justifying the use of violence against them.
On 28 April, the Brazilian Supreme Court will be ruling on interpretations of the 1979 Amnesty law, which have protected state
officials accused of torture, killings and rape during the military regime.
It is extraordinary that in the twenty-first century, doubts persist around the acceptability of these crimes. International law and the
Brazilian constitution are crystal clear on this issue. Systematic or widespread acts of torture, enforced disappearances,
extra-judicial executions and rape are crimes against humanity, and as such they cannot be subject to amnesties or statutes of
limitations.
Click here to read more »
Brazil: Curb Police Violence in Rio, São Paulo
Extrajudicial Killings Undermine Public Security
December 8, 2009
(Rio de Janeiro) - Police officers in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo routinely resort to lethal force, often committing extrajudicial
executions and exacerbating violence in both states, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.
The 122-page report, "Lethal Force: Police Violence and Public Security in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo," examined 51 cases in
which police appeared to have executed alleged criminal suspects and then reported the victims had died in shootouts while
resisting arrest.
Rio and São Paulo police together kill more than 1,000 people every year in such alleged confrontations. While some of these
"resistance" killings by police are legitimate acts of self-defense, many others are extrajudicial executions, the report found.
"Extrajudicial killing of criminal suspects is not the answer to violent crime," said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human
Rights Watch. "The residents of Rio and São Paulo need more effective policing, not more violence from the police."
Unlawful police killings undercut legitimate efforts in both states to curb criminal violence, much of which is carried out by heavily
armed gangs. In Rio, these gangs are largely responsible for one of the highest homicide rates in the hemisphere. In São Paulo,
despite a drop in homicides over the past decade, gang violence also poses a major threat.
Human Rights Watch obtained credible evidence in 51 "resistance" cases that contradicted police officers' claims that victims died
in a shootout. For example, in 33 cases, forensic evidence was at odds with the official version of what took place - including 17
cases in which autopsy reports show that police shot their victims at point blank range. The 51 cases do not represent the totality
of potential extrajudicial killings, but are indicative of a much broader problem, the report concluded.
The report also draws upon extensive interviews with more than 40 criminal justice officials, including top prosecutors who view
extrajudicial executions by the police as a major problem in both states.
Click here to read more »
Extrajudicial Killings Undermine Public Security
December 8, 2009
(Rio de Janeiro) - Police officers in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo routinely resort to lethal force, often committing extrajudicial
executions and exacerbating violence in both states, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.
The 122-page report, "Lethal Force: Police Violence and Public Security in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo," examined 51 cases in
which police appeared to have executed alleged criminal suspects and then reported the victims had died in shootouts while
resisting arrest.
Rio and São Paulo police together kill more than 1,000 people every year in such alleged confrontations. While some of these
"resistance" killings by police are legitimate acts of self-defense, many others are extrajudicial executions, the report found.
"Extrajudicial killing of criminal suspects is not the answer to violent crime," said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human
Rights Watch. "The residents of Rio and São Paulo need more effective policing, not more violence from the police."
Unlawful police killings undercut legitimate efforts in both states to curb criminal violence, much of which is carried out by heavily
armed gangs. In Rio, these gangs are largely responsible for one of the highest homicide rates in the hemisphere. In São Paulo,
despite a drop in homicides over the past decade, gang violence also poses a major threat.
Human Rights Watch obtained credible evidence in 51 "resistance" cases that contradicted police officers' claims that victims died
in a shootout. For example, in 33 cases, forensic evidence was at odds with the official version of what took place - including 17
cases in which autopsy reports show that police shot their victims at point blank range. The 51 cases do not represent the totality
of potential extrajudicial killings, but are indicative of a much broader problem, the report concluded.
The report also draws upon extensive interviews with more than 40 criminal justice officials, including top prosecutors who view
extrajudicial executions by the police as a major problem in both states.
Click here to read more »
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations
Security Council
Women and Peace and Security
New York, 27 April 2010
Mr. President,
Resolution 1325 deals with women as agents of peace. Such a role comprises many facets ranging from conflict prevention to
post-conflict peacebuiding. I would like to briefly touch upon two of such facets.
The first one regards institutions. In post-conflict scenarios, where institutions are rebuilt and gradually consolidated, there is often a
window of opportunity to surmount historical gender inequalities or insensitivities. It is precisely when the redistribution of power and
roles within a society is being redrawn after the trauma of war that efforts must be made to ensure that the concerns and needs of
women are duly contemplated. This is especially applicable to processes such as constitutional, political and educational reforms.
The second aspect I wish to stress relates to the economic empowerment of women in post-conflict situations, which is as important
as institutional empowerment. Of particular relevance is the participation of women in efforts to rehabilitate and reactivate the
economy. Given the fundamental role played by women in key economic sectors, particularly in agriculture, the impact of
development projects can be enhanced if such projects are focused on women.
The second important decision by the Security Council in 2009 regarding women, peace and security was the establishment of the
post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It provides the UN system with an
authoritative voice empowered to "provide coherent and strategic leadership" on the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. It
fills a void in bringing different parts of the system to work closer.
We welcome Ms. Wallstrom's appointment to the position. We support her two forward-looking recommendations of continuous
consideration and making prevention top priorities, as well as her "5-point agenda". It proposes a balanced set of measures focused
both on the past and on the future, on accountability and on cooperation, command responsibilities and adds a welcome focus on peer
liability.
We commend Ms. Wallstrom's initiative to visit the DRC. We encourage and support efforts to increase cooperation with the
Congolese government in addressing capacity building and other needs in the fight against sexual violence. We also appreciate the
measures taken by MONUC to improve women's security.
Click here to read more »
Security Council
Women and Peace and Security
New York, 27 April 2010
Mr. President,
Resolution 1325 deals with women as agents of peace. Such a role comprises many facets ranging from conflict prevention to
post-conflict peacebuiding. I would like to briefly touch upon two of such facets.
The first one regards institutions. In post-conflict scenarios, where institutions are rebuilt and gradually consolidated, there is often a
window of opportunity to surmount historical gender inequalities or insensitivities. It is precisely when the redistribution of power and
roles within a society is being redrawn after the trauma of war that efforts must be made to ensure that the concerns and needs of
women are duly contemplated. This is especially applicable to processes such as constitutional, political and educational reforms.
The second aspect I wish to stress relates to the economic empowerment of women in post-conflict situations, which is as important
as institutional empowerment. Of particular relevance is the participation of women in efforts to rehabilitate and reactivate the
economy. Given the fundamental role played by women in key economic sectors, particularly in agriculture, the impact of
development projects can be enhanced if such projects are focused on women.
The second important decision by the Security Council in 2009 regarding women, peace and security was the establishment of the
post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. It provides the UN system with an
authoritative voice empowered to "provide coherent and strategic leadership" on the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. It
fills a void in bringing different parts of the system to work closer.
We welcome Ms. Wallstrom's appointment to the position. We support her two forward-looking recommendations of continuous
consideration and making prevention top priorities, as well as her "5-point agenda". It proposes a balanced set of measures focused
both on the past and on the future, on accountability and on cooperation, command responsibilities and adds a welcome focus on peer
liability.
We commend Ms. Wallstrom's initiative to visit the DRC. We encourage and support efforts to increase cooperation with the
Congolese government in addressing capacity building and other needs in the fight against sexual violence. We also appreciate the
measures taken by MONUC to improve women's security.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM PORTUGUESE BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
29/ABR/2010 - Coordinator-General of CDDPH participates in the strategic planning of the Council of Human Rights of
Ceará
29/04/2010 - 12:47
The coordinator-general of the Council for Defense of the Human Person (CDDPH), Juliana Miranda, attends this Thursday (29) of
the 1st Seminar on Strategic Planning Council for the Defence of Human Rights of Ceará, in the Department of Justice in Fortaleza.
The CDDPH is linked to the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency (SDH / PR).
The aim of the seminar is to evaluate the performance of the State Council in 2009, proposing guidelines objective, a schedule of
work and division of responsibility for 2010. The focus is on mobilization of directors and the effectiveness of the Council's actions
from the point of view of civil society and government, focusing on the mobilization of directors and the effectiveness of their
actions.
The coordinator-general of CDDPH participates as a facilitator of the event at the invitation of the organizers. Juliana Miranda
constibuirá with the diagnosis of the actions and planning for the 2010 Council of Human Rights of Ceará and the Department of
Justice and Citizenship of the State.
Click here to read more »
29/ABR/2010 - Coordinator-General of CDDPH participates in the strategic planning of the Council of Human Rights of
Ceará
29/04/2010 - 12:47
The coordinator-general of the Council for Defense of the Human Person (CDDPH), Juliana Miranda, attends this Thursday (29) of
the 1st Seminar on Strategic Planning Council for the Defence of Human Rights of Ceará, in the Department of Justice in Fortaleza.
The CDDPH is linked to the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency (SDH / PR).
The aim of the seminar is to evaluate the performance of the State Council in 2009, proposing guidelines objective, a schedule of
work and division of responsibility for 2010. The focus is on mobilization of directors and the effectiveness of the Council's actions
from the point of view of civil society and government, focusing on the mobilization of directors and the effectiveness of their
actions.
The coordinator-general of CDDPH participates as a facilitator of the event at the invitation of the organizers. Juliana Miranda
constibuirá with the diagnosis of the actions and planning for the 2010 Council of Human Rights of Ceará and the Department of
Justice and Citizenship of the State.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM PORTUGUESE BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
MNDH Vannuchi award to delivery and require the maintenance of completeness
24 April 2010
National Meeting of MNDH in Osasco - São Paulo, was marked by the delivery of the National Prize for Human Rights, which was
awarded the Minister Paulo de Tarso Vannuchi, the Special Secretariat for Human Rights of the Presidency, the category of
personality; the Centro Santo Dias Human Rights of the Archdiocese of St. Paul in category Organization in recognition of his 30
years of struggle, the State of Black Youth Forum of the Holy Spirit (Fejunes) campaign by the State Against the Extermination of
Black Youth in the category Stocks & Experiences.
Opening the meeting, the national coordinator of MNDH, Gilson Cardoso noted that Brazil is building human rights and that
"democracy has not yet reached all Brazilians."
Reaffirming the role of MNDH in the fight for human rights in the country, Gilson Cardoso spoke of the need of radicalization in
the struggle for democracy and the essential role of the Movement in this fight.
The founder of the Human Rights Center of Osasco, Cida Lopes, highlighted the role played in the municipality during the military
dictatorship and "the struggles of Osasco in the fields of trade unions and human rights since the '60s."
Cida Lopes also drew attention to the growing "criminalization of social movements in the country" and the importance of
maintaining the military struggle.
Also present at the event, Congressman Joao Paulo Cunha (PT) remembered "proud" of the strike 68 in Osasco, considered one of
the most important milestones in the fight for freedom in Brazil.
Upon delivery of the National Human Rights Award, the training coordinator of MNDH, Ricardo Barbosa de Lima, pointed out that
not only recognized the history of struggle by activists and organizations honored, "before all this year, the award is also more a
political act in defense of completeness PNDH 3, because we do not believe that this debate is now closed and that would yield
now confront all democratic and participatory process that involved more than 14 000 people during the years 2008 and ignoring
almost a year of debate , discussions and agreements with civil society and the government. " So the defense of full stands, above
all, the recognition process and the instances of participatory democracy so hard won with the democratization of the country.
Click here to read more »
MNDH Vannuchi award to delivery and require the maintenance of completeness
24 April 2010
National Meeting of MNDH in Osasco - São Paulo, was marked by the delivery of the National Prize for Human Rights, which was
awarded the Minister Paulo de Tarso Vannuchi, the Special Secretariat for Human Rights of the Presidency, the category of
personality; the Centro Santo Dias Human Rights of the Archdiocese of St. Paul in category Organization in recognition of his 30
years of struggle, the State of Black Youth Forum of the Holy Spirit (Fejunes) campaign by the State Against the Extermination of
Black Youth in the category Stocks & Experiences.
Opening the meeting, the national coordinator of MNDH, Gilson Cardoso noted that Brazil is building human rights and that
"democracy has not yet reached all Brazilians."
Reaffirming the role of MNDH in the fight for human rights in the country, Gilson Cardoso spoke of the need of radicalization in
the struggle for democracy and the essential role of the Movement in this fight.
The founder of the Human Rights Center of Osasco, Cida Lopes, highlighted the role played in the municipality during the military
dictatorship and "the struggles of Osasco in the fields of trade unions and human rights since the '60s."
Cida Lopes also drew attention to the growing "criminalization of social movements in the country" and the importance of
maintaining the military struggle.
Also present at the event, Congressman Joao Paulo Cunha (PT) remembered "proud" of the strike 68 in Osasco, considered one of
the most important milestones in the fight for freedom in Brazil.
Upon delivery of the National Human Rights Award, the training coordinator of MNDH, Ricardo Barbosa de Lima, pointed out that
not only recognized the history of struggle by activists and organizations honored, "before all this year, the award is also more a
political act in defense of completeness PNDH 3, because we do not believe that this debate is now closed and that would yield
now confront all democratic and participatory process that involved more than 14 000 people during the years 2008 and ignoring
almost a year of debate , discussions and agreements with civil society and the government. " So the defense of full stands, above
all, the recognition process and the instances of participatory democracy so hard won with the democratization of the country.
Click here to read more »
The history of Brazil begins with The arrival of The first indigenous peoples, over 8,000 years ago, into The present
territory of that nation. By The end of The 15th century, all parts of those lands were inhabited by semi-nomadic tribes,
who subsisted on a combination of fishing, hunting, gathering, and agriculture. It is widely accepted that Brazil was first
"discovered" by Europeans on April 22, 1500, by Pedro Álvares Cabral, but there are controversies. The first permanent
Portuguese colonial settlement—São Vicente, a coastal town just south of The Tropic of Capricorn—was founded in
1532. The Dutch also established themselves in Brazil, around The city of Recife in The northeast corner of The country,
in The 1630s. The Dutch were driven out of Brazil by The Portuguese in 1654. From The 16th to The 19th centuries,
Brazil was a colony of Portugal, exploited mainly for brazilwood at first, and later for sugarcane and, in The 18th century,
for gold. During this period many natives were exterminated, pushed out of The way or assimilated, and large numbers of
African slaves were brought in. On September 7, 1822, The country declared its independence from Portugal and
became a constitutional monarchy, The Empire of Brazil through a small-scale Brazilian War of Independence, lasting
from 1821-1825. A military coup in 1889 established a republican government. The country has been nominally a
democratic republic ever since, except for three periods of overt dictatorship (1930–1934, 1937–1945, and 1964–
1985). Through most of its independent history, The country's politics were dominated by agrarian oligarchies, at all levels
of government. Their influence was lessened (but by No means abolished) after The revolution of 1930, when The state
began to assert itself in The economy, drawing support from The emerging industrial sector and through control of
industrial worker unions. Nevertheless, in spite of all changes of regime, Brazilian politics has continued to be dominated
by The same relatively small elite. This oligarchic legacy, coupled with heavy state intervention in The economy, poor
infrastructure, corruption, inadequate education levels and an insular trade policy have all conspired to hamper economic
growth and create one of The most unequal income distributions in The Western world. These socio-economic problems
helped in 2003 to elect former union leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on The promise that he would put The country back
on a path of economic development, while also adhering to an orthodox economic policy—and especially avoid default
either on foreign or on public debt.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Brazil
territory of that nation. By The end of The 15th century, all parts of those lands were inhabited by semi-nomadic tribes,
who subsisted on a combination of fishing, hunting, gathering, and agriculture. It is widely accepted that Brazil was first
"discovered" by Europeans on April 22, 1500, by Pedro Álvares Cabral, but there are controversies. The first permanent
Portuguese colonial settlement—São Vicente, a coastal town just south of The Tropic of Capricorn—was founded in
1532. The Dutch also established themselves in Brazil, around The city of Recife in The northeast corner of The country,
in The 1630s. The Dutch were driven out of Brazil by The Portuguese in 1654. From The 16th to The 19th centuries,
Brazil was a colony of Portugal, exploited mainly for brazilwood at first, and later for sugarcane and, in The 18th century,
for gold. During this period many natives were exterminated, pushed out of The way or assimilated, and large numbers of
African slaves were brought in. On September 7, 1822, The country declared its independence from Portugal and
became a constitutional monarchy, The Empire of Brazil through a small-scale Brazilian War of Independence, lasting
from 1821-1825. A military coup in 1889 established a republican government. The country has been nominally a
democratic republic ever since, except for three periods of overt dictatorship (1930–1934, 1937–1945, and 1964–
1985). Through most of its independent history, The country's politics were dominated by agrarian oligarchies, at all levels
of government. Their influence was lessened (but by No means abolished) after The revolution of 1930, when The state
began to assert itself in The economy, drawing support from The emerging industrial sector and through control of
industrial worker unions. Nevertheless, in spite of all changes of regime, Brazilian politics has continued to be dominated
by The same relatively small elite. This oligarchic legacy, coupled with heavy state intervention in The economy, poor
infrastructure, corruption, inadequate education levels and an insular trade policy have all conspired to hamper economic
growth and create one of The most unequal income distributions in The Western world. These socio-economic problems
helped in 2003 to elect former union leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on The promise that he would put The country back
on a path of economic development, while also adhering to an orthodox economic policy—and especially avoid default
either on foreign or on public debt.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Brazil
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Dilma Vana Rousseff
President since 1 January 2011
President since 1 January 2011
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
