“We have repeatedly raised concerns about the excessive and lethal use of force by Brazilian law enforcement officials and the disproportionate impact on Brazilians of African descent,” the three experts said in a statement. An announcement.
“However, the latest reports of police brutality seem to suggest that such human rights abuses continue to go unpunished.”
Human rights violations continue to go unpunished – Independent rights expert
Despite life
It follows a raid on Favela Cruzeiro in Rio de Janeiro in late May, where nearly two dozen people, including children, were killed after security forces reported indiscriminate shooting.
Most of the victims were Afro-Brazilians, said Dong Nhan Quyen Association-appointed experts who have called on the Brazilian Government to adopt “wide-ranging reforms to… demilitarize all law enforcement agencies and… tackle racial discrimination.” and systemic racism”.
In another incident, rights experts described how three police officers are said to have used pepper spray and tear gas on an African-American motorcyclist, after pulling him over and taking him to the police station. he got into the trunk of their car, where he died a short time later.
“Victims of these murders deserve justice“Experts said.
Comply with common standards
Experts reiterated calls for adherence to international standards for the use of force.
“The use of potentially lethal force is an extreme measure that can only be used when absolutely necessary to save life or prevent serious injury from an impending threat. ,” they stated.
They also called for comprehensive law enforcement reform in Brazil.
“The new wave of violence is the latest manifestation of the systematic and continuous deployment of excessive and lethal use of force. by law enforcement officials in Brazil,” advocated independent experts.
Furthermore, they emphasize the need for an efficient, independent, and timely investigation of the latest incidents, including compliance with the 2016 Minnesota Protocol for the Investigation of Potential Unfair Deaths. France, and United Nations Principles for Effective Prevention and Investigation of Execution Acts Summary, Arbitrary and Illegal.
They called for justice for the victims and their families, and found that “shocking reports showing an unconscionable disregard for human life“.
“The Brazilian government must ensure that their deaths are investigated effectively and independently and that the victims, their families and affected communities are dealt with appropriately.”
UN experts have been in official contact with the Government to address these allegations and clarify its obligations under international law.
More information about experts
The UN experts who signed this declaration were E. Tendayi Achiume, Special Rapporteur on related forms of racism, racism, xenophobia and intolerance; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; and Catherine S. Namakula, Chairman of the Working Group on African Americans.
Special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council based in Geneva to check and report back about a particular human rights topic or a country situation. The positions are honorary and professionals are not paid for their work.
