Op-Ed for mission to Brazil

Word count: 750

I start my visit to Brazil in the weeks following the announcement that Brazil will host the World Football Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. I want to emphasize that Brazil, under such global spotlight, should take every opportunity to use this central stage to advocate worldwide the human rights it champions at home.

I believe that any prominent position on the world's scene should be a catalyst to promote for all, the rights that we cherish for ourselves. These rights must not be merely the privilege of the few. President Lula's determination to help lift many Brazilians out of disadvantage is something that I commend and understand, not least because, like him, I too was born in poverty and in a discriminatory environment.

Brazil 's commitment to level the playing field between those who have all the opportunities to triumph in life and those who have none has shown a path that others already seek to emulate. In recent years, Brazil has won praise for its efforts to tackle poverty and inequality, as well as to fight hunger and discrimination. The country's treatment for people living with HIV/Aids has been exemplary. In these and other areas, Brazil has demonstrated leadership by investing in human betterment and dignity.

Recognition of Brazil 's focus on human dignity was apparent during the Universal Periodic Review. This is a regular assessment of the human rights situation that the United Nations Human Rights Council, the preeminent intergovernmental human rights body, is mandated to carry out for every country. In this process, States repeatedly welcomed and requested further information on Brazil 's programmes such as Fome Zero , Bolsa Família , and ProUni . These initiatives have proven to be effective in taking on persistent and towering social and economic challenges that Brazil shares with many countries around the world. Such challenges have a direct bearing on the realization of fundamental human rights.

With this perspective, and building on Brazil 's efforts to redress inequality and injustice, this week I will be signing a Memorandum of Intent that will expand cooperation between the Government of Brazil and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This Memorandum establishes the basis for a brand new model of cooperation on human rights. It envisages three-way partnerships between Brazil , my Office, and other countries that request assistance to implement the recommendations of the United Nations human rights mechanisms and to give effect to measures that make human rights reality on the ground.

This Memorandum of Intent has the potential to strengthen South-South cooperation on human rights, increase compliance with the United Nations human rights system, and thus maximise all efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. It also presents opportunities for Brazil to share the experience, knowledge and practices that have emerged from its efforts to confront formidable human rights challenges.

Indeed, we must acknowledge the urgent need to stimulate further national discussion and action regarding Brazil 's serious human rights problems. I was impressed when, in response to the global economic crisis, Brazil expanded Bolsa Família to include a further 1.3 million families. Yet, with so many Afro-Brazilians, women and indigenous groups still living in poverty and without access to basic services, it is imperative that this programme and other pertinent measures to reduce poverty and inequality include all Brazilians. Similarly, while I applaud the progress that has been achieved in expanding access to education for groups affected by discrimination, I hope that these advances will translate into increased employment opportunities, wider participation in public affairs, and equal access to justice for these groups.

The violence and insecurity that plague favelas and prisons must be eradicated, ensuring that human rights are not put at risk in this fight. Far too many people – most of them young, poverty-stricken, Afro-Brazilians – fall victim to extreme violence perpetrated by organized criminals or those who should be preventing crime. Far too many suffer violent, inhuman conditions in the prison system. I trust that Brazil 's focus on human dignity will remain unequivocal as it seeks to improve public security. It must be understood that public security and human rights are inextricably linked. The one cannot be accomplished without fulfilling the other.

In my life, I have learned that the stuff of true champions is not physical prowess, social primacy or economic might, but clear objectives, dignity and team work. As Brazil takes the world stage, I am confident that these qualities will galvanize others to join the race for human rights, non-discrimination and justice.