HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TO VISIT BRAZIL

Geneva, 30 November 2007-- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, will travel to Brasilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, from 3 to 5 December 2007. She intends to discuss the human rights situation in Brazil, including progress made and main challenges ahead, as well as to assess national initiatives aimed at promoting respect of human rights.

During this visit, the High Commissioner will meet with President Luis Inàcio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. She will also meet with Federal and State Government officials, as well as representatives of the Federal Supreme Court and the Human Rights Commissions of the Parliament. Discussions are also set with representatives of the civil society, including leading human rights NGOs, and members of the United Nations agencies operating in the country.

In São Paulo, the High Commissioner will visit the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA), including “The Environmental and Social Investment Exchange”, an innovative programme initiative by the private sector aimed at supporting social responsibility and human rights projects. In Rio de Janeiro, the High Commissioner will attend the opening of the South American Human Right Film Festival and will give a lecture on Poverty and Human Rights at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

This is Ms. Arbour’s first visit to Brazil as High Commissioner.