Brazil promotes a vast array of actions for the advancement and defense of human rights, even though it faces enormous social and economic inequalities.
The discussion on human rights and technical and political activities related to the theme has mobilized the national media. Consequently, it has increased the Brazilian society’s awareness of relevant issues for fostering citizenship and respect for human rights.
Despite considerable and innovative work in promoting human rights, Brazil still has some challenges:
- There is no firm understanding of the universality and indivisibility of civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights.
- There is still a large number of people who continue to encounter significant difficulties in exercising their citizenship and their fundamental rights.
UNESCO understands that, only by mobilizing all social actors directly or indirectly involved in human rights advocacy, the Organization can contribute to the promotion of citizenship, to the consolidation of democracy, to the development of equality, and widespread access to justice and security. Such advancements are essential in leading the country to build and strengthen a culture of human rights and a culture of peace.
Main International Legal Instruments:
2007 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
2006 – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
2005 – Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights
1997 – The Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights
1997 – Declaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generations towards Future Generations
1995 – Declaration and Integrated Framework of Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy
1995 – Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
1990 – Convention on the Rights of the Child
1948 – Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Human Rights Education
Human rights education is an integral part of the right to education and is increasingly gaining recognition as a human right in itself.
Knowledge of rights and freedoms is considered a fundamental tool to guarantee respect for the rights of all. UNESCO’s work in human rights education is guided by the World Programme for Human Rights Education.
Education should encompass values such as peace, non-discrimination, equality, justice, non-violence, tolerance, and respect for human dignity. Quality education based on a human rights approach means that rights are implemented throughout the whole education system and in all learning environments.
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Supporting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
UNESCO is committed to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and enabling them to participate fully and equally at the national and international levels. In line with the 2030 Agenda, which recognizes indigenous peoples as a distinct group and recognizes their role in global efforts to build a better future for all.
UNESCO policy on engaging with indigenous peoples guides the Organization's work. It ensures that its policies, planning, programming and implementation support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous peoples represent 5% of the world's population, but they are among the poorest 15% in the world. Worldwide, they face several considerable challenges, including increasing migration, educational disadvantage, pressure to assimilate other values culturally, forced relocation, gender-based violence and other forms of discrimination, poverty, and limited access to health services, employment, information services and broadband connectivity.