NEW YORK, USA – A UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert has urgently urged Brazil to implement “bold and transformative action” to eradicate systemic racism. This call comes after a comprehensive 12-day fact-finding mission that highlighted the continued discrimination faced by marginalized racial and ethnic groups, particularly those of African descent and indigenous communities.
The Special Rapporteur emphasized that these groups are enduring “pervasive manifestations of systemic racism, as legacies of colonialism and enslavement.” Despite ongoing activism from those affected, this form of discrimination remains deeply ingrained in Brazilian society.
In her report, she acknowledged the Brazilian government’s recognition of racial discrimination as a systemic issue and noted the progress made through enacting strong laws and regulations. However, she stressed that for many individuals, including those from African descent, indigenous peoples, Quilombolas, and Roma, life is often characterized by severe racialized violence and exclusion.
Highlighting specific rights violations against indigenous and Quilombola communities, including police brutality and mass incarceration, the expert stated, “The severity of the situation demands utmost urgency. Bold and transformative action to dismantle systemic racism cannot wait.”
The call for justice and equality extends to a request for the government to confront and address the foundational causes of racism and inequity. She pointed out significant gaps in the implementation of laws and policies aimed at reducing racial injustice, insisting that marginalized communities have waited far too long for equality and justice.
“Lives depend on bolder and more immediate action,” she emphasized. The Special Rapporteur further urged the government to allocate additional resources for anti-racial discrimination initiatives and accelerate the pace of meaningful change.
