As delivered by Michele Roulbet
Universal Periodic Review 27th Session
Geneva,
May 5, 2017
Thank you.
The United States warmly welcomes the Brazilian delegation.
We commend Brazil for implementing recommendations made in the prior UPR cycle. We are encouraged by recent legislation to combat trafficking in persons and efforts to centralize judicial data, reduce prison overcrowding, and break up criminal groups within prisons.
The United States remains concerned, however, about reports of unlawful killings by state and military police, an increase in violence against environmental activists, inhumane conditions for prisoners, prolonged pretrial detention, and inordinate delays of trials.
We offer the following recommendations:
- Improve judicial processes to minimize the length of pre-trial detention and speed up trials, and consider alternatives to detention to address prison overcrowding.
- Conduct thorough, impartial, and timely investigations into all allegations of unlawful killings, abuse, torture, and corruption involving security forces and prison personnel.
- Effectively implement the anti-trafficking law and provide resources and training for government officials.
Thank you Mr. President.