The Pelicano Human Rights Network publicly denounces a serious attack on freedom of expression and the fundamental principles governing human rights, perpetrated by the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR/OAS). Recently, the Brazilian Mission submitted a petition to the IACHR based on anonymous claims with ideologically false content, aiming to delegitimize a corruption complaint made by the Pelicano Network regarding judges from the Court of Justice of Sergipe. Worsening this international embarrassment, the Brazilian mission at the IACHR blocked the Pelicano Network on X/Twitter, silencing its legitimate criticisms and preventing the exercise of its right to freedom of expression.
These practices, commonly called lawfare, exploit legal and institutional mechanisms to censor and intimidate critical voices, constituting a direct affront to the principles enshrined in the American Convention on Human Rights. Freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, is an inalienable right and essential to democracy. The censorship imposed on the Pelicano Network not only violates this right but also undermines transparency and ethics in international relations—principles fundamental to the credibility of multilateral organizations.
Censorship and intimidation have no place in international relations, especially when promoted by an entity expected to protect human rights. It is a paradoxical outrage that a diplomatic representation of Brazil, tasked with defending human rights, refuses dialogue with a Brazilian NGO comprised of human rights defenders.
Given the gravity of these events, we demand the immediate accountability of the Permanent Mission of Brazil for its censorship and manipulation practices; a transparent and impartial investigation into the anonymous petition submitted; and the full restoration of the Pelicano Network’s freedom of expression, along with all voices silenced through lawfare tactics.
In the context of restoring the Rule of Law, the Pelicano Network calls on civil society, international organizations, and all human rights defenders to unite against these authoritarian practices that threaten democratic values and the transparent functioning of multilateral institutions. We reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and the unwavering defense of fundamental rights. We will not be silenced by attempts to suppress our voice and will remain steadfast in our mission to promote human rights and expose injustices.
For more information or to join the fight against lawfare and censorship practices:
📧 ibepacpelicano@gmail.com
🌐 ibepac.org