United Nations Radio

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, says that millions of Afro-Brazilians and indigenous people continue to face serious discrimination, injustice and violence.

Pillay meeting with Brazilian President

Ms. Pillay, who completed a week-long visit to Brazil on Friday, says Brazil's "impressive" array of laws and policies, designed to promote human rights and improve the socio-economic situation, are not being properly implemented.

As a result, she points out, Afro-Brazilians and indigenous people are mired in poverty and lack access to basic services and employment opportunities.

Ms Pillay warns if that does not change it will hamper Brazil's progress on many other fronts."

The Human Rights Commissioner calls on the Brazilian officials to focus on the full implementation of existing laws, plans and policies to address discrimination.

At the same time she praises this week's passing by the Brazilian Congress of a "very important" constitutional amendment designed to provide free universal education to children aged 4-17 and to increase resources for education.

Ms Pillay says many of Brazil's biggest problems are rooted in poverty and discrimination, and a truly universal secondary education system is essential if there is to be major improvement in these areas.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations
(duration: 1'17")