UN Special Rapporteur on torture to visit Brazil

UN Special Rapporteur on torture to visit Brazil

GENEVA (30 July 2015) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Juan E. Méndez will visit Brazil from 3 to 14 August 2015 to identify and assess the main challenges related to torture and ill-treatment in the country.

“I look forward to engaging with the Brazilian Government on how to meet the challenges of upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, and fulfilling the right of reparations for victims,” said the independent expert tasked by the UN Human Rights Council with monitoring and reporting on the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment around the world.

During his twelve-day visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with relevant authorities and human rights institutions on federal and state level, as well as with international and regional civil society organizations, victims and their families.

Mr. Méndez, who visits Brazil at the invitation of the Government, will travel to the Federal District and the states of São Paulo, Sergipe, Maranhão and Alagoas, to conduct unannounced visits to places of detention such as police stations, pre-trial facilities and penitentiaries.

The expert will share his preliminary comments and recommendations at a press conference to be held on Friday 14 August 2015 at the UN House in Brasilia. For information regarding time and place, please contact Valéria Schilling (+55 21 2253 2211 / +55 21 9820 20171 / valeria.schilling@unic.org).

The Special Rapporteur will present a final report to the Human Rights Council in March 2016.

ENDS

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