DATE=04/16/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288788

TITLE=BRAZIL-HUMAN RIGHTS (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=BILL RODGERS

DATELINE=RIO DE JANEIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Human rights activists in Brazil often face intimidation, physical attacks and even death while doing their work. This is the conclusion of a new report released Tuesday by a Brazilian-based human rights group as we hear from V-O-A's Bill Rodgers in Rio de Janeiro.

TEXT: The report by Global Justice describes 56 separate incidents of violence and harassment of human rights defenders in Brazil over the past five years. Among these incidents are the murder of 23 people. The report also details numerous instances of attempted murder, kidnapping and beatings.

Global Justice head Jim Cavallaro says the attackers range from criminal gangs to large landowners.

///CAVALLARO ACT///

In the urban context, it tends to be organized criminal groups which often count with the assistance of corrupt police officers or prosecutors. In the rural context, it tends to be large landowners and their henchmen. What ties all these cases together is impunity which is the rule, and that unfortunately is what allows these threats and this intimidation to continue.

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Mr. Cavallaro says human rights workers in Brazil will continue to be at risk until laws are changed to allow federal authorities to investigate and prosecute human rights violations. Currently, federal authorities have very limited jurisdiction over crimes committed at the local level.

///CAVALLARO ACT///

One of our critical recommendations is that federal authorities be given the jurisdiction over severe incidents of human rights violations, particularly those involving those who defend human rights. Federal authorities need to have that jurisdiction because without it, impunity will continue.

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Mr. Cavallaro says the Global Justice report is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the threats to human rights workers in Brazil. The report, unveiled Tuesday, will be presented to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in Geneva later this week. (Signed)

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