According to the CIVICUS Monitor, civic space in Brazil is rated as “obstructed”. On 1st January 2023, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva began a third term as Brazil’s president, promising to focus on poverty and the environment. In 2022, supporters of outgoing President Bolsonaro protested the election results and called for military intervention. 

The environment for human rights defenders, especially land and environmental defenders, remains hostile, with reported cases of human rights defenders being killed, making Brazil one of the deadliest countries for environmental defenders. In addition, journalists are often the target of attacks and intimidation. According to a report on violations against journalists in 2022, the number of attacks last year reached 376, and Bolsonaro was the main perpetrator, responsible for 104 cases. The report indicates a decrease in attacks in 2022; however, this does not correlate to an improved environment for media workers, as there was a simultaneous increase in the most severe cases of violence against journalists.

For more information about the country, visit: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/brazil/