GENEVA (5 April 2024) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, will conduct an official visit to Brazil from 8 to 19 April 2024.
During her visit, Lawlor will assess the environment for human rights defenders in the country and the extent to which they can carry out their work freely and without fear. She will look at the risks faced by human rights defenders, including in specific cases, and examine laws, policies and practical measures that affect them.
The Special Rapporteur will meet with federal and regional authorities, as well as a wide range of human rights defenders, including members of civil society, grassroots organisations, indigenous peoples, quilombola communities, lawyers and journalists.
The expert will travel to Brasilia and the states of Bahia, Pará, Sao Paolo and Mato Grosso do Sul to meet with government officials, human rights defenders and other stakeholders. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Government.
Lawlor will hold an online press conference on 19 April at 10:00 local time in Brasilia. Access will be strictly limited to accredited journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the Human Rights Council in March 2025.
ENDS
Ms. Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
