Present were the deputy Fernando Gabeira (PV-RJ), the ex-minister of Justice José Gregori, and the ex-special secretary on Human Rights Nilmário Miranda, representatives of the candidatures of Marina Silva (PV), José Serra (PSDB), and Dilma Rousseff (PT). At the end of the session, there was also a statement made by PSOL, Plínio Sampaio, represented by deputy Chico Alencar (PSOL-RJ).

All were unanimous in adopting the minimum agenda, which consists of ten commitments in the field of human rights and foreign policy, drafted by the CBDHPE:

1. Adhering to pending regional and international human rights instruments;
2. Complying with and implementation of regional and international human rights decisions and recommendations;
3. Respecting the terms for delivering reports to regional and international human rights bodies;
4. Giving human rights priority over other interests;
5. Using the capacity for dialogue to support human rights;
6. Strengthening regional and international human rights bodies;
7. Emphasizing human rights issues in Brazilian bilateral agendas;
8. Guaranteeing access to information in the formulation and management of foreign policy;
9. Carrying out public consultations regarding Brazil's international positions in human rights;
10. Guaranteeing democratic control over foreign policy.

For Camila Asano, executive co-secretary of the CBDHPE and Project assistant with Conectas Human Rights, "the ten commitments drafted by the CBDHPE seek compliance with the international human rights obligations to which Brazil is a party in the next administration".

Part of the commitments signed by the campaigns deals with access to information and mechanisms for civil society participation in the formulation and management of Brazilian foreign policy that has an impact on human rights.

"The campaigns' adhesion to these commitments was positive in that it reinforces democratic control and citizen participation in Brazilian foreign policy", added Luis Emmanuel, executive co-secretary of the CBDHPE and member of GAJOP.

The event also included a table discussion regarding Brazil's human rights priorities in the UN, OAS, and Mercosur, for the year 2010. Composing this table were representatives from the Division of Human Rights and Social Issues of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of Human Rights of the Presidency of the Republic.

The commitments above may be read with greater detail here.

The video of the transmission of the event is available at the following link:
http://www2.camara.gov.br/atividade-legislativa/comissoes/comissoes-permanentes/cdhm/videoArquivo?codSessao=00017366&codReuniao=24153#videoTitulo

For more information:

CBDHPE (Brazilian Committee on Human Rights and Foreign Policy)
www.dhpoliticaexterna.org.br/en/
contato@dhpoliticaexterna.org.br