UN experts reveal systemic police brutality in Brazil, highlighting the disproportionately high risk of violence against Black individuals. The report emphasizes the urgent need for reforms, including independent investigations and adherence to international standards. With calls for urgent action from the Brazilian government, it lays out a comprehensive plan for ensuring justice and upholding human rights in policing practices.
In a gripping exploration of systemic racism and police violence in Brazil, a new report from the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (EMLER) unveils harrowing realities faced by Black Brazilians. Having gathered over 100 testimonies during their 2023 visit, these UN experts shine a spotlight on the profound, often lethal nature of police brutality that afflicts marginalized communities across the nation. With approximately 6,000 killings by police each year, the report emphasizes the urgent need for reform and the implementation of human rights-based public security policies. Amidst a climate of mistrust stoked by rampant police abuses and a failure to properly investigate misconduct, the report calls for decisive action from the Brazilian government—inviting a reconsideration of police practices and a renewed commitment to racial justice in law enforcement. Furthermore, the report aligns with existing recommendations from Human Rights Watch for independent investigations into police killings, reinforcing a shared vision for a safer and more equitable Brazil.
The systemic issue of police violence in Brazil is accentuated by deeply entrenched racial inequalities. This reality intensified after the global protests triggered by the police killing of George Floyd in the United States, leading to the establishment of EMLER in 2021. With over 100 testimonies collected during their 12-day visit to Brazil, the UN experts highlight alarming patterns of abuse with devastating consequences for communities of African descent, who face disproportionately high risks of police violence and fatalities. Current governmental practices of self-investigation into police killings further exacerbate these issues, undermining the credibility of any inquiries and reinforcing impunity. Among the urgent calls for reform, the adoption of international investigative standards, including the Minnesota Protocol, plays a crucial role in fostering accountability and restoring community trust.
The EMLER report serves not only as a stark revelation of the brutal realities of policing in Brazil but also as a beacon of hope for a more just future. With its comprehensive recommendations for reform—including independent investigations, a national strategy to reduce police killings, and specialized prosecutor units—the report lays a blueprint for transformation. By addressing systemic racism and embedding human rights into law enforcement practices, Brazil can begin to heal the deep scars left by years of abuse and discrimination, ultimately forging a path toward a more equitable society.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
