AI Index number: AMR 19/009/2008

PUBLIC

Eighth session of the UN Human Rights Council, 2-20 June 2008

Review of Brazil under the Universal Periodic Review: Amnesty International’s reflections on the outcome

The report submitted by Brazil, as well as its presentation in the UPR Working Group, focused on a general defence of existing government programs and policies rather than actual analysis of the effectiveness of such measures to address human rights violations and whether additional measures are needed. During the review, a number of states raised key human rights concerns, which Amnesty International shares, including continuing impunity for crimes committed under the former dictatorship; violence and extrajudicial killings committed by the police; torture and other ill-treatment; violence against women; and harsh prison conditions. Again Brazil responded by describing initiatives undertaken or planned by the government, including the adoption of a national action plan to fight torture, the creation of a national committee and the establishment of a national day on torture. The recent report presented by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, following his recent visit to the country, further highlights the extent of problems faced in this area. The Brazilian government must address these issues more directly.

One of the key recommendations made by States during the review called on Brazil to rigorously evaluate the outcomes of planned activities in areas including violence and killings by the police, torture, and violence against women, prison conditions, and protection of human rights defenders. Amnesty International welcomes the statement by Brazil that it supports all the recommendations made in the UPR Working Group and calls on the government to give full and early effect to these. Amnesty International also calls the government to undertake thorough investigations of all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and reports of killings, including by police; to make the findings of these public; and to bring to justice those responsible in accordance with international standards for fair trial.