• Brazil: Major Step for Military-Rule-Era Justice
    The criminal case filed on April 24, 2012, against a retired army colonel and a civil police precinct chief for grave abuses committed in the 1970s in São Paulo state is an important step for accountability in Brazil.
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Reports

  • Lethal Force
    Police Violence and Public Security in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
  • In the Dark
    Hidden Abuses Against Detained Youths in Rio de Janeiro
  • “Real Dungeons”
    Juvenile Detention in the State of Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

  • Brazil: Letter to President Rousseff on Truth Commission
    May 16, 2012

    I am writing to express our support for the establishment of a truth commission to clarify the facts surrounding human rights violations committed from 1946 to 1988 in Brazil. We are very encouraged by the leadership that you have shown in making this possible, including your recent appointment of a group of distinguished and knowledgeable individuals to serve as commissioners. We believe that it is very important now that your administration do everything possible to ensure that the truth commission has the resources and support it needs to succeed in its historic mission. 

  • Brazil: Major Step for Military-Rule-Era Justice
    Apr 24, 2012
    The criminal case filed on April 24, 2012, against a retired army colonel and a civil police precinct chief for grave abuses committed in the 1970s in São Paulo state is an important step for accountability in Brazil.
  • Brazil: Supreme Court Abortion Ruling a Positive Step
    Apr 19, 2012

    The ruling by Brazil’s highest court on April 12, 2012, expanding exceptions from criminal penalties for abortion is a positive step toward protecting women’s human rights.

  • Brazil: Human Rights Prosecution a Landmark Step
    Mar 13, 2012
    The decision by federal prosecutors to bring charges against a retired military officer for grave abuses committed in the 1970’s is a landmark step for accountability in Brazil
  • Universal Periodic Review of Brazil
    Jan 5, 2012
    Brazil’s congress adopted a law on October 25, 2011expanding public access to government information, implementing a recommendation accepted by Brazil during the previous UPR cycle. However, other serious concerns addressed by the UPR recommendations –all of them being accepted by Brazil in 2008 – require further measures by the Dilma Rousseff administration. Faced with high levels of violent crime, some Brazilian police units throughout the country engage in abusive practices with impunity, instead of pursuing sound policing practices. Many Brazilian prisons and jails are severely overcrowded and experience high levels of violence. Torture is a chronic problem at certain detention centers and police stations in various states. There has also been little progress in prosecuting those responsible for atrocities committed by state agents during the military dictatorship period from 1964 to 1985.
  • Brazil and the Syrian People
    Dec 18, 2011

    With two weeks left in its two-year tenure on the UN Security Council, Brazil has a tremendous opportunity to make its vote count for the Syrian people. With Brazil’s support, the Security Council could overcome eight months of inaction and join the Arab League, Turkey, and dozens of other countries in applying real pressure on the Syrian government to end the bloodbath. 

  • Equatorial Guinea: Reforms Ring Hollow Ahead of Summit
    Nov 22, 2011

    Latin American and African dignitaries gathering in Equatorial Guinea for a cross-regional meeting should press their host, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasago, on his human rights record. Foreign Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota of Brazil, among other officials, is scheduled to attend the Africa-South America Summit taking place from November 22 to 25, 2011.

  • IBSA: Push Syria to End Bloodshed
    Oct 16, 2011
    India, Brazil, and South Africa are not leveraging their rising global influence to help stop the bloodshed in Syria.
  • Landmines in Libya: Technical Briefing Note
    Jul 19, 2011
    This briefing note looks at the threat posed to civilians, including deminers, from landmines used in the current conflict between forces of Muammar Gaddafi and opposition rebels.
  • Libya: Government Lays More Mines in Western Mountains
    Jul 8, 2011
    Libyan government forces have placed at least three minefields containing antipersonnel and antivehicle landmines outside the village of al-Qawalish in the western Nafusa Mountains.
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