The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clément N. Voule conducted a Brazil Country Visit to Brazil from 28 March to 9 April 2022.
In the report, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern at the closing of civic space and the ongoing and increasing police violence that has been coupled in recent years with political violence as a consequence of the emerging populist narrative, which have threatened the effective enjoyment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. The UNSR in particular identified disproportionate challenges and obstacles for the enjoyment of the rights to peaceful assembly and of association of human rights defenders, women, LGBTI+ communities, traditional communities, including Quilombolas, Afro-Brazilian and indigenous peoples.
The Special Rapporteur recognized the vibrant civil society which despite populist discourse and restrictive laws has played a key role in recent general elections. Rebuilding trust between the new authorities and civil society is crucial he stated, and he welcomed steps taken by the new Government to reverse the closing of civic space and adopt measures to promote an enabling environment for the exercise of fundamental freedoms.
Read the factsheet containing the key recommendations to Brazilian authorities here.
Read the full report here
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