More than 40 human rights defenders from 28 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and, for the first time, Eastern Europe participated in the 10th Colloquium that took place from 9 to 16 October at the Itau Cultural and at the GVLaw in Sao Paulo. The theme of the event “Regional and International Human Rights Systems – Challenges to the Engagement of Civil Society” gave the attendees the opportunity to learn about the functioning of the regional systems – African, Asian, European and Latin American- and to compare the challenges and achievements in each of them. The colloquium also provided a forum for peer-learning and exchange of information among the participants regarding their experiences with these mechanisms and their work with the UN human rights system. Special emphasis was given to topics related to their work in their countries or region: such as the rights of persons with disabilities, the prison system in Brazil and discrimination against sexual orientation in the African system.

On September3, 2010, the Fundação Casa was ordered to pay, with no possibility of appeal, a BRL 400,000 indemnity to the family of the juvenile inmate, Sidney Moura Queiróz, who died in 2003 after having more than 70% of his body seriously burnt in a fire that broke out in unit 19 of the juvenile detention center of the Tatuapé Complex of the extinct FEBEM. The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice recognized the responsibility of the institution in guaranteeing the life and integrity of juvenile inmate held under its custody. For Conectas, this unique and significant response is a good example of the ‘destabilization of rights violations practices’ through use of strategic litigation.