The Federal Government, in partnership with the country’s federative units, signed a pact to materialise Brazil’s commitment to fight homophobia and violence against the LGBTI community. In 2017, the Dial 100 service, through which people can report human rights violations, received over 1,700 notifications of abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender people.
The National Pact Against LGBT-phobic Violence was signed on May 16th. The document aims to promote and coordinate actions against violence, as well as prioritise respect to human diversity and dignity. Brazil’s federal and state governments will undertake to work together under the Pact to prevent such behaviours.
The document, supported by the UN, takes into account contributions from Brazil’s 27 federative units (26 states plus the Federal District). It was developed by expert consultants hired to carry out technical visits to collect data and opinions.
The second week of May, the Ministry of Human Rights promoted the Week Against LGBT-phobia with activities that also celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). During the week, there was a series of public policy debates on how to fight homophobic behaviours.
For Brazil’s Human Rights Minister, Gustavo Rocha, this week added visibility to the cause. “We need to make progress on this issue. It is very good to know that the LGBTI population are represented in politics, but this is just another step to ensure their rights are protected”, he pointed out.
Source: www.brazilgovnews.gov.br