Brazil has become part of the UN’s (United Nations) “dirty list” of incidents of threats and retaliation against activists or individuals who condemn violations at international actions or United Nations events. The list, which is presented to governments on 14 September, is prepared every year. But this is the first time a case involving Brazil is referenced.
This was because of the threat faced by indigenous leader Alessandra Mundukuru after attending the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow in November 2021.
The UN report cites cases of retaliation against human rights activists in authoritarian regimes such as Egypt, Cuba, China, Iran, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, as well as cases in places such as Mexico or India. The UN blames 42 countries in total.
Regarding Brazil, the text says that on February 18, 2022, UN rapporteurs addressed allegations of intimidation and threats against Alessandra Korap Munduruku.
“In November 2021, Ms. Munduruku attended COP26 as part of a delegation of Brazilian Indigenous Peoples. During the conference, Ms. Munduruku and other indigenous activists allegedly received threats and were intimidated when they denounced major mining and logging companies for the occupation. As well as Indigenous lands. The state’s lack of protection and inability to demarcate territories” reads the text.
“During the conference, it was reported that Ms. Munduruku was subjected to an offensive reprimand by someone. Security guards at the event had to ask the man to leave the venue. After returning to her congregation, Ms. Munduruku was reported to have faced increased threats. Forcing her and her family to relocate for their safety. intimidation, including the destruction of his home,” they state.
According to the UN, on April 19 and May 3, 2022, the Brazilian government sent a response to the organization’s requests for clarification: “Recognizing that Ms Munduruku is an indigenous leader who has been the victim of threats and violence in an area that has experienced tensions in recent years,” it said.
“The government briefed on the measures taken to protect Ms Munduruku, including a police investigation as part of a joint investigation between the Federal Ministry of Public Affairs (Public Ministry) in Santarém/Pará and the Federal Police Station in that city.” said..
The government also reported that the indigenous woman benefited from the Pará State Human Rights Defenders Protection Program and that the authorities were “determined to take appropriate measures to protect her life, physical integrity and safety.”
The government says there is no evidence that authorities were involved.
On July 15, 2022, the government sent a new letter stating “the lack of factual or tangible elements indicating intimidation or reprisals against Alessandra Korap Munduruku by government officials”.
“The government has reported on police investigations and investigations into threats to indigenous leaders and communities, including Alessandra Munduruku, measures to protect her under the Human Rights Defenders Protection Program, as well as overall efforts to improve the program and respond to threats against human rights defenders. or acts of violence,” he said.
According to the report, Itamaraty has yet to comment on the case. When they do, their statements will be included in the report.
The new document is being made public amid strong criticism by different UN committees and bodies over human rights abuses in the country and the abolition of the Jair Bolsonaro government’s protection system for activists and defenders.
This week, Bolsonaro has yet to arrive for a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antônio Guterres. Last month, then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet also criticized the current government’s attacks on the most vulnerable population and its stance undermining democracy in Brazil.
At the UN Human Rights Council, Bolsonaro’s government insists it upholds such values and is committed to issues such as the fight against racism, freedom of expression, democracy and other aspects of international law.
source: Noticias
