Organizations defend the CNDH as the Brazilian national human rights institution in a letter to the UN
Document states that the CNHD meets international criteria and has obtained recognition in international spaces, such as the UPR
Sessão da RPU no Conselho de Direitos da ONU, em Genebra, Suíça. Foto: Arquias Cruz/ Conectas
Brazilian civil society organizations sent a letter to the UN defending that the National Human Rights Council (CNDH, in the Brazilian Portuguese acronym) be recognized as the Brazilian National Human Rights Institute (NHRI).
The text was sent to the GANHRI (Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutes) and was signed by over 40 civil society organizations, including Conectas.
The document was presented in the context of the international accreditation process that will take place in 2026 and argues that the CNDH is the only body created by the Brazilian government with the specific role of promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
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The text also highlights that other Brazilian institutions, such as the Federal Public Defender’s Office, though playing an important role in rights assurance, were not created with the purpose of acting as NHRIs.
Besides, the letter recalls that the Brazilian State itself has recognized the CNDH as its national institute in international spaces, such as the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and accepted recommendations to strengthen that body.
To the organizations, the accreditation process should observe Brazilian legislation and the institutional trajectory built over the course of decades.
