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Calls on Rio governor to integrate human rights in public security policy to prevent further incidents of abuse of police power
18 May 2000
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18 May 2000
Calls on Rio Governor to Integrate Human Rights in Public Security Policy
to Prevent Further Incidents of Abuse of Police Power
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, ending a four-day visit to Brazil, today called for further efforts from the Government to close the gap between legislation and implementation in such areas as child labour, indigenous rights, violence against women, racial discrimination, reported police brutality and conditions in prisons and detention facilities.
Among these efforts, Mrs. Robinson said, the Government could include further engaging the country's dynamic and vibrant civil society. She had been impressed with the work of the wide cross section of human rights and other non-governmental organizations she met during her visit, the High Commissioner said. These groups, she added, were becoming increasingly aware of the value of using international human rights norms and standards in their advocacy work and focusing on Brazil's responsibility to implement its commitments under different rights instruments.
Other efforts, the High Commissioner said, could come under the umbrella of the process of technical cooperation between the Government and her Office officially launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) last Tuesday. According to the MOI, the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) will cooperate with and assist the Government in the development and implementation of programmes of technical cooperation. The modalities of this cooperation will be discussed in a follow-up mission to Brazil by OHCHR staff.
Mrs. Robinson reiterated that she was encouraged by the stated willingness of Brazil's Government to move forward with reforms in the area of human rights and bridge gaping inequalities affecting Brazilian Blacks, indigenous people, street children, women, persons in detention and vulnerable groups'. 'I hope that we are beginning to see implementation on the ground of existing human rights legislation and policy'.
The High Commissioner was speaking in Rio de Janeiro, where she met with Governor Anthony Garotinho to discuss, among other issues, respect for human rights in the context of maintaining public security. The High Commissioner, who earlier in the day visited Rio's Mangueira quarter, or 'favela', said she was struck by the emphasis placed by civil society groups on the need to end violence by suspected drug dealers and the police in the favelas. She urged the Governor to increase efforts to integrate human rights in public security policy in order to help prevent further incidents of abuse of police power.
Before leaving Brazil, Mrs. Robinson also encouraged full Government and civil society participation in preparations for the World Conference on Racism, a process she said was of particular relevance for the country. Mrs. Robinson is Secretary-General of the World Conference, which will be held in South Africa next year.
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Calls on Rio Governor to Integrate Human Rights in Public Security Policy
to Prevent Further Incidents of Abuse of Police Power
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, ending a four-day visit to Brazil, today called for further efforts from the Government to close the gap between legislation and implementation in such areas as child labour, indigenous rights, violence against women, racial discrimination, reported police brutality and conditions in prisons and detention facilities.
Among these efforts, Mrs. Robinson said, the Government could include further engaging the country's dynamic and vibrant civil society. She had been impressed with the work of the wide cross section of human rights and other non-governmental organizations she met during her visit, the High Commissioner said. These groups, she added, were becoming increasingly aware of the value of using international human rights norms and standards in their advocacy work and focusing on Brazil's responsibility to implement its commitments under different rights instruments.
Other efforts, the High Commissioner said, could come under the umbrella of the process of technical cooperation between the Government and her Office officially launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) last Tuesday. According to the MOI, the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) will cooperate with and assist the Government in the development and implementation of programmes of technical cooperation. The modalities of this cooperation will be discussed in a follow-up mission to Brazil by OHCHR staff.
Mrs. Robinson reiterated that she was encouraged by the stated willingness of Brazil's Government to move forward with reforms in the area of human rights and bridge gaping inequalities affecting Brazilian Blacks, indigenous people, street children, women, persons in detention and vulnerable groups'. 'I hope that we are beginning to see implementation on the ground of existing human rights legislation and policy'.
The High Commissioner was speaking in Rio de Janeiro, where she met with Governor Anthony Garotinho to discuss, among other issues, respect for human rights in the context of maintaining public security. The High Commissioner, who earlier in the day visited Rio's Mangueira quarter, or 'favela', said she was struck by the emphasis placed by civil society groups on the need to end violence by suspected drug dealers and the police in the favelas. She urged the Governor to increase efforts to integrate human rights in public security policy in order to help prevent further incidents of abuse of police power.
Before leaving Brazil, Mrs. Robinson also encouraged full Government and civil society participation in preparations for the World Conference on Racism, a process she said was of particular relevance for the country. Mrs. Robinson is Secretary-General of the World Conference, which will be held in South Africa next year.
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