WUNRN
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
23 November 2007
Brazil: Prison Rape Exposes Increasing Abuse of Women
Women
in Brazil are the hidden victims of a crumbling detention system that exposes
them to rape and other ill treatment, said Tim Cahill, Amnesty International's
researcher on Brazil.
The statement came as reports emerged of the case of a young woman in the state
of Pará -- northern Brazil -- who was left in a police cell with 20 men for a
month and repeatedly sexually abused.
"We receive extensive reports of women in detention who suffer sexual abuse,
torture, substandard healthcare and inhuman conditions, showing that this case
is far from isolated but continues to be hidden from the public," said Tim
Cahill.
Even though women in Brazil make up a small percentage of the overall prison
population, their numbers in detention are rising. There is a desperate need
for the Government to address their needs, which are rarely if ever met.
The case also highlights concerns around the treatment of juveniles illegally
held with adults around Brazil.
"At a time when some authorities and the media are consistently calling
for a reduction of the age of criminal responsibility, this case shows how far
Brazil is from ensuring the necessary minimum protections for its youth,"
said Tim Cahill.
While Amnesty International recognises that the federal and state authorities
have responded rapidly to this case, many others go unreported or
uninvestigated. It is essential that the authorities act in all such cases -
not only those which receive extensive national and international media
coverage.
Amnesty International calls on State Governor Ana Julia Carepa and on the
federal authorities to:
• investigate the allegations and bring those responsible to justice, ensuring
that the victim and her family receive effective protection
• urgently review the whole of the detention system to ensure women are not
exposed to human rights abuses and that juveniles are not illegally held with
adults.
================================================================
To leave the list, send your request by email to: wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com.
Thank you.