International recognition

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights commends Brazil on new Immigration Law

The IACHR (Inter-American Commission on Human Rights) has released a public statement commending Brazil on the approval and signing of its new Immigration Law. The Commission also called for the process to draft the implementing regulations of the law, which is done via presidential decree, to be open and transparent, with participation by civil society and upholding inter-American principles, norms and standards on human rights.

The Commission stressed the importance of replacing the Foreigner Act with modern legislation, in keeping with the principles of the Brazilian Constitution. It also highlighted some important innovations of the new law, such as the establishment of the policy on humanitarian visas (like the visas currently issued for Syrians and Haitians) and the protection of stateless persons. Furthermore, the IACHR praised the process of drafting the law, which involved widespread public participation.

The statement criticized the twenty vetoes by President Michel Temer, but concluded: “despite this, the Commission values the new Brazilian law and believes it represents a step forward and an important benchmark for the entire region, particularly in a global context where several countries have adopted restrictive immigration policies and more rigid mechanisms for the admittance of immigrants to their territories”.

• Click here to read the statement from the IACHR.