brazil

Brazil: UN rights office urges independent probe into deadly police operation in Rio de Janeiro

The UN's human rights office (OHCHR) on Friday called for an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into a major police operation in a favela in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, in which at least 25 were reportedly killed, including a police officer.

COVID-19: Support to frontline workers part of UN response in Brazil

UN agencies in Brazil are supporting national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including by providing thousands of protective items for health workers, the global organization reported on Tuesday. 

'Deplorable' killing of Afro-Brazilian man shows need to address racism, discrimination

The killing of an Afro-Brazilian man, and the widespread outrage it has sparked, underscores the urgent need for the Government to tackle racism and racial discrimination in South America’s largest country, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday. 

FROM THE FIELD: Threatened Brazilian activist fights for slavery descendants' rights

A Brazilian activist who regularly receives threats of violence says he will continue fighting for the right of people of African descent to access land and property in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Holocaust survivors rebuild lives and traditions in Rio de Janeiro

With millions of people displaced from their homes worldwide, a UN ceremony celebrating Holocaust survivors in Brazil, has provided a stark reminder that throughout the 75 years of the Organization’s existence, the plight of refugees has been an ever-present theme.

UN agency hails Brazil ‘milestone’ decision over Venezuelan refugees

Brazil’s move to recognize thousands of refugees from crisis-wracked Venezuela through a new accelerated procedure, has been welcomed by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. 

UN refugee chief impressed with Brazil’s ‘exemplary’ response to plight of fleeing Venezuelans

While praising the “efficient, coordinated, humane and innovative response” by Brazil on behalf of fleeing Venezuelans, the UN refugee chief has said that the sheer number of those on the run is proving to be a major challenge, calling for greater international support.

Murder of Brazilian indigenous leader a ‘worrying symptom’ of land invasion

In the wake of the murder of indigenous leader Emrya Wajãpi in Brazil, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the country’s authorities to “react quickly and decisively” to protect the rights of indigenous peoples on their lands.

Tuesday’s Daily Brief: hate speech, dementia, Libya and Yemen, human rights in Brazil and Lebanon

This Tuesday, we cover: the UN chief in New Zealand’s Christchurch calls for end to hate speech; how a healthy lifestyle can prevent dementia; updates on fighting in Libya and Yemen; the human rights of detainees in Lebanon and people affected by leprosy in Brazil.

Guterres says UN stands ready to support Brazil’s search and rescue effort in wake of tragic dam collapse

Secretary-General António Guterres said on Saturday that the United Nations stands ready to support the Brazilian authorities in the search and emergency relief efforts following the deadly dam collapse and mudslides in vast South American country’s south-eastern region.