Global anti-torture movement recognizing truth commissions report and calls for reparation of victims

After two years of research, analysis of historical documents, andpublic hearings, the Commission concluded that practices of unlawful detention,torture, sexual violence,executions and forced disappearances were performed systematically by stateagents under Brazil's military rule, and constituted crimes against humanity.

The final report describes thestories of 434 deaths and political disappearances, and names more than 300public agents and individuals that acted on the name of the State that wereinvolved in the grave human rights violations committed during that period.

Among its recommendationsthe report asks for the recognition of the Armed Forces of their institutionalresponsibility for the crimes committed during 1964 to 1985, and for the non-applicationof the Amnesty Law (6.683/79) to the public agents involved in grave humanrights violations, since crimes against humanity are imprescriptible andineligible for amnesty.

“Recognizing the facts is an important first step; the families of thevictims and/or the victims themselves are entitled to accountability andcompensation for the horrible crimes committed against them.” Said Gerald Staberock,Secretary General of the OMCT. “It is nowto honor the recommendations of the Commission. An amnesty law for torture isunlawful and should have no place in the 21st century’.

The CNV also recognized thepersistency of grave human rights violations in the current days in Brazil,reflected in police violence and the practice of unlawful detentions, tortureand forced disappearances.

The OMCT calls the BrazilianGovernment to act upon the CNV’s recommendations and ensure that concrete stepsare taken towards justice and reconciliation.

For further information please contact:

Carolina Bárbara, +41 (0)228094939 cb@omct.org