“I am concerned that in recent years trends have emerged that limit the enjoyment of these rights in all areas,” Clément Nyaletsossi . gift voucher speak on Monday in São Paulo, speaking at the conclusion of a 12-day visit to South America’s largest country.
He also pointed to the horrific level of violence against human rights defenders, female journalists, indigenous peoples and traditional communities, especially those of African descent. quilombolas.
Civic limited space
Mr. Voule is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
“I welcome policies that limit social and political participation and limit the space for consultation regarding public policy and decision making,” he said. he said, condemning the closure of 650 councils in Brazil.
He also solved the frequent use of excessive force by law enforcement, as well as human rights violations during the protests.
“I am concerned that there is neither a clear uniform regulation of the use of force in protests nor an effective and independent mechanism to monitor the behavior of law enforcement officers. ,” he say.
Threats to participate in politics
Political violence against social leaders, candidates and elected leaders – especially those of African descent and transgender women – poses a serious threat to participation politics and democracy, he said.
With the general election scheduled for October, he urged the State to ensure that all electoral processes are non-discriminatory and free of misinformation, fake news and hate speech. , he said. Candidates must also be protected from any threats or attacks, both inside and outside the network.
‘Strong’ civil society
Mr. Voule welcomed the openness and cooperation of federal and state agencies with UN human rights mechanisms, including the establishment of the Parliamentary Observatory on Universal Periodic Review (UPR). ).
During the UPR process, governments outline what they have done to improve the human rights situation in their territories.
While in Brazil, Mr. Voule visited the capital Brasilia and the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, in addition to São Paulo.
“I am very impressed by the strong, dynamic and diverse civil society in Brazil has played an important role in the fight for social justice, the preservation of democracy and the rule of law, and more recently the struggle for justice. painting COVID-19” he say.
However, the rights expert was appalled by the violence against the activists, quilombolas (Afro-Brazilian settlements), indigenous communities and slum community leaders, motivated by structural factors such as racism.
Stigma, intimidation, killing
Violence and discrimination against people who practice religions of African origin is another concern.
“I have met a group of mothers who want justice and accountability for the loss of their children. They don’t ask for anything that is not covered by Brazilian law, but live in constant threats and fear of violence,” he told reporters.
“Human rights defenders face a violent environment marked by discrimination, intimidation, harassment, assault and murder,” he said.
Justice for Marielle Franco
Mr. Voule is also deeply concerned that those behind the March 2018 execution of Marielle Franco, Afro-Brazilian human rights defender and city councilor, have not yet been identified.
The state must investigate her execution effectively, promptly, thoroughly and objectively, and take action against those responsible, he said.
The UN expert further noted that about 20 bills are currently before the National Assembly.
He called on the Government to amend three of these draft laws which, if passed, would effectively criminalize the activities of social movements under the guise of national security and the fight against terrorism.
Independent voice
Special rapporteurs and independent experts, such as Mr. Voule, receive their assignments from the UN Dong Nhan Quyen Associationbased in Geneva.
They operate as individuals and are not employees of the United Nations, nor are they paid for their work.
Mr Voule will submit a comprehensive report to the Council in June, which will outline his findings and recommendations.
