5 April 2024, Geneva – From April 8–19, 2024, Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, will pay a formal visit to Brazil.
Lawlor will evaluate the conditions for human rights defenders in the nation and the degree to which they can do their jobs without interference or fear during her visit. She will review laws, regulations, and practical measures that impact human rights defenders and look at the risks they confront, including in particular cases.
In addition to meeting with federal and regional officials, the Special Rapporteur will also have meetings with a variety of human rights advocates, including as representatives of grassroots organizations, indigenous peoples, civil society, Quilombola communities, attorneys, and media.
The specialist is scheduled to visit government representatives, human rights advocates, and other relevant parties in Brasilia, as well as the states of Bahia, Pará, Sao Paolo, and Mato Grosso do Sul. The government has invited the visit to take place.
Lawlor has scheduled a press conference for April 19 at 10:00 local time in Brasilia via the internet. The only people who may enter are authorized journalists.
In March 2025, the Special Rapporteur will deliver her report to the Human Rights Council.