Truth Commission an historic step for the consolidation of democracy in Brazil

May 17, 2012

Six months after the adoption of the law that created the Truth Commission in Brazil, President Dilma Rousseff swore in yesterday (May 16) the seven members of this body, whose mission is to examine and shed light on the serious human rights violations committed between 1946-1988.

Conectas commends this important step for the consolidation of democracy in Brazil. “The mission is an ambitious one and the commission members must follow the highest international standards of human rights,” said Thiago Amparo, coordinator of research and training at Conectas Human Rights.

In this respect, the Commission will definitely require adequate material and human resources support. It is also essential for the Commission to receive contributions and support from other segments of society and from the federal, state and municipal levels of government, including higher education institutes, documentation and international organizations. “It is important for the Commission, when establishing its working methods, to define how it will offer protection and psychological support to the people who testify,” said Juana Kweitel, program director at Conectas.

When delivering the right to the truth on the serious violations committed during the dictatorship, Conectas believes that the Commission will also help shape a culture of democracy and of respect for human rights in today’s Brazil.