CRC/C/BRA/CO/2-4

Brazil (CRC 30-10-2015)

The Committee considered the combined second to fourth periodic reports of Brazil (CRC/C/BRA/2-4) at its 2036th and 2037th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.2036 and 2037), held on 21 and 22 September 2015, and adopted the following concluding observations at its 2052nd meeting (see CRC/C/SR.2052), held on 2 October 2015.

Concluding observations

B. General principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12)

Non-discrimination

24. The Committee is concerned about the structural discrimination against indigenous and Afro-Brazilian children, children with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex children, children in street situations, and children living in rural, remote, and marginalized urban areas, including favelas. The Committee is also seriously concerned that strategies aimed at eliminating discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and race have been removed from the education plans of several states. Furthermore, it is concerned about the patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes that underpin discrimination against girls and women.
25. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Strengthen its efforts to combat discrimination against and stigmatization and social exclusion of children living in poverty in marginalized urban areas, such as favelas, as well as children in street situations, and Afro-Brazilian and indigenous children and girls;

(b) Enact legislation to prohibit discrimination or the incitement of violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and continue the Schools without Homophobia project;

(c) Prioritize the elimination of patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes, including through educational and awareness-raising programmes.

(b) Ensure that the authorities, civil servants, the media, teachers, children and the general public are sensitized to the negative impact of stereotypes on children’s rights and take all necessary measures to prevent these negative stereotypes, notably by encouraging the media to adopt codes of conduct;

(c) Facilitate child-friendly complaint mechanisms in educational establishments, health centres, juvenile detention centres, alternative-care institutions and any other setting and ensure that perpetrators of discrimination are adequately sanctioned.