Overview

Poverty decreased but persisted for more than a quarter of the population. The child mortality rate decreased; maternal deaths disproportionately affected Black women. Deaths from dengue fever and tuberculosis increased. Unemployment decreased; forced evictions and homelessness remained concerning. The education budget was cut. Alarming police violence continued under the banner of the “war on drugs”. Children continued to be at risk of violent death, particularly Black youths. Impunity persisted for human rights violations committed by state agents. Brazil remained one of the most dangerous countries for land rights defenders, especially Indigenous and Quilombola defenders. Trials for the killings of various human rights defenders were ongoing. Deforestation and wildfires continued unabated in the face of the government’s inadequate response. Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul particularly affected vulnerable groups. Attacks against Indigenous and Quilombola communities remained frequent, mostly due to inefficient land demarcation policies. Gender-based violence increased against women and LGBTI people, including femicides and gender-based political violence. Proposed legislation threatened access to abortion.