At the UN, organisations call for clarification regarding the murder of Marielle

Speech given during the Human Rights Council session on Wednesday, 13 March

Marielle Franco, vereadora do Rio e ativista dos direitos humanos, foi assassinada no dia 14 de março de 2018. Nascida no Complexo da Maré, mestre em sociologia, Marielle se destacou como militante em prol das mulheres negras e dos moradores das favelas e periferias. Foto: Mídia NINJA

São Paulo and Geneva – On Wednesday 13 March, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva (Switzerland), Conectas Human Rights called for the Brazilian government to make progress with investigations into the murder of councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes.

The organisation’s declaration was made during the 40th session of hearings, being held by the UN organ until 22 March. It was given one day after the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police announced the arrest of two men suspected of participation in the execution of the politician one year ago on Thursday 14 March.

In the presence of diplomatic delegations from a number of countries from around the world, the organisation hopes to put pressure on the Brazilian authorities to make progress in uncovering who was behind the crime.

Conectas Programme Coordinator, Camila Asano’s reading of the document was broadcast live by UN Web TV, the UN streaming channel.

“Marielle was a city councilor for Rio de Janeiro known for defending the rights of young black people, women, residents of favelas and LGBTI people. Marielle also played a key role in assisting families of police officers who died in duty, in a context of Rio de Janeiro’s highly militarized public security policy. Her murder represents a threat to all human rights defenders in Brazil.” The declaration reads. Impunity in this case is alarming.

•  Read the full declaration here (in English)

Watch the full speech: