Conectas denounces Genivaldo´s death and an operation in Vila Cruzeiro, to the UN

The organisation drew attention to the Brazilian state´s systematic omission in the face of police lethality

Ação de agentes da Polícia Rodoviária Federal que resultou na execução por sufocamento, à luz do dia e diante das câmeras, de Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, em Sergipe (Foto: Reprodução)

At the UN Human Rights Council, Conectas denounced violations committed by security officers in the death of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, in Sergipe and those of at least 26 people in a police operation in Vila Cruzeiro, in Rio de Janeiro. Both incidents occurred in May of this year. The declaration was made on Wednesday 22, during the 50th session of the United Nations organ, in Geneva (Switzerland).

According to the denouncement, Brazil has been negligent regarding very serious cases of lethal violence committed by agents of the state in the past and in the present. “Unfortunately, the Brazilian government has not made any effort to combat these violating practices committed by its public security agents, on the contrary, these practices have been endorsed by local authorities, including President Jair Bolsonaro”, the organisation said during the declaration. 

The organisation called on Brazilian authorities to promote concrete policies against the genocide of the black population in the country and to provide justice for those affected by police violence and finally for the UN to be aware that the conditions for human rights in Brazil are getting worse.

Gabriel Sampaio, coordinator of the Conectas programme, Tackling Institutional Violence sees these cases as evidence that disregard for life and human dignity, particularly of the black population, are commonplace in the activities of the Brazilian police forces. The lack of commitment to serious, in-depth investigations following police lethality makes this situation even more worrying”.

May Crimes

Furthermore, Conectas reminded the UN of neglect by the state regarding the so-called May Crimes which took place in São Paulo 16 years ago, when at least 500 people fell victim to actions by public security officers. Until today, there are still investigations and reparation procedures for the victims and their families pending judgment.

Watch the declaration at the Human Rights Council: