The Arns Commission and Conectas denounce Bolsonaro at the UN

The Arns Commission and Conectas Human Rights brought today, at the 46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, a complaint against President Jair Bolsonaro regarding the federal government's disregard for the serious pandemic crisis in Brazil.

Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, a founding member of the Arns Commission, spoke on behalf of the organizations:

"The situation in Brazil is desperate. COVID-19 is taking a huge toll, causing deaths and economic hardship. The disease has disproportionately affected the Black and poorer population, as well as Indigenous and traditional communities.

We have come here today to denounce President Jair Bolsonaro's recurring attitudes regarding the pandemic.Viemos aqui hoje para denunciar as atitudes recorrentes do presidente Jair Bolsonaro em relação à pandemia.

He disregards the recommendations of scientists; he has repeatedly discredited all the protective measures – such as the use of masks and social distancing; he has promoted the use of ineffective drugs; he has halted the coordination capacity of the federal health authority; he has dismissed the importance of vaccines; he has laughed at the fears and tears of families, and told Brazilians to stop ‘fussing and whining’.

All the economic and health measures currently in effect in the country have been implemented due to initiatives from the National Congress, the Supreme Court, governors, and mayors. This is why we are here today, to draw the attention of this Council and to point out the responsibility of President Bolsonaro in promoting, by words and deeds, a devastating humanitarian, social, and economic tragedy in Brazil.”