Since the return of civilian rule in 1985, Brazilian rights advocates have secured significant legislative and constitutional reforms that expand the democratic rights of all citizens, especially historically disadvantaged groups. However the Brazilian justice system, a complex of judiciary officials, the police, the penal system, public defenders and prosecutors, has yet complete its own democratic transformation, in line with recent legal and social changes. With further reform, justice could be administered more equitably and faster, and contribute more to the elimination of race, gender and class inequalities.

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The Human Rights Program seeks to enhance access to justice and to consolidate democratic citizenship. The Program addresses the need for improved human rights legislation and for strengthening infrastructure for legal advocacy in the defense of victims of violence and discrimination. High priority is given to the needs of African Brazilians and women, and to programs that seek to reduce violence.

Human Rights Program actions involve:

• Social Science research on violence and racial and gender discrimination to promote more effective protection for victims;

• Litigation of exemplary cases of racial and gender discrimination to generate more effective jurisprudence; public education on human rights and citizenship to advance justice and facilitate individual access to benefits conferred by democratic citizenship; education for legal professionals and the judiciary on recent changes in human rights legislation; and,

• Rights advocacy aimed at securing the implementation of political, social and civil rights already inscribed in law; and strengthening of institutions that promote greater understanding of the cultural components of rights and political identity.