Electoral system under attack in Brazil, say organizations in UN
Statement made during a session of the Human Rights Council asks the international community to call on the Brazilian authorities to respect the electoral system
Foto: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil
On Wednesday, September 14, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 Brazilian organizations denounced the attacks on the electoral system and increased political violence in Brazil.
The statement, made at the 51st session of the Council, was signed by Conectas, Justiça Global, ABGLT, WBO, ABONG, CEERT, Article 19, Ação Educativa, Comissão Arns and Terra de Direitos. “Democracy and the electoral system are under grave threat in Brazil. We are living in unprecedented times in Brazilian democracy,” warned the organizations.
Safe environment for the elections
In another part of the statement, the organizations asked the UN to reinforce the importance of respecting democratic institutions in Brazil, especially the electoral system, and to urge digital platforms to combat fake news. They also requested that the United Nations call on the Brazilian authorities to guarantee a safe environment for the elections, including gun control and protection of candidates from minority groups.
Response of the Brazilian State
In response to the statement from civil society, the representative of the Brazilian State in the session of the Human Rights Council said that Brazil reaffirms its commitment to the protection of human rights and the rule of law. He also said that the country will have free, fair, transparent and democratic elections in October. Moreover, he said that the government has taken steps to protect women, LGBTQ persons and other minorities.
