The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has expressed "deep concern" over human rights in Brazil and says it will monitor what happens when the government of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro assumes office on Jan. 1.
The commission released a report Monday after a one-week visit to eight states in the country.
It highlighted violence suffered by indigenous people, the growing exclusion of those on the streets, a culture of impunity among police and threats against freedom of expression.
Monica Benicio, widow of slain councilwoman Marielle Franco, asks a question during a press conference held by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. A delegation of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights visited Brazil from November 5 to 12 to monitor the enforcement of human rights in eight states. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
"The focus must be on the protection of life," said commission president Margarette May Macaulay at a press conference.
Brazil is one of the countries with the highest homicide rates in the world, with 30.8 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
Last year, an estimated 5,012 people were killed by police.
Margarette May Macaulay, center, president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, attends a press conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. The delegation of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights visited Brazil from November 5 to 12 to monitor the enforcement of human rights in eight states. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)