Seminars and Symposia

Human Rights In Brazil

Thursday, November 18, at 7:00 PM
Location: Room 9207
Graduate School and University Center
365 5th Ave.

José Gregori
Head, National Secretariat for Human Rights
Brazil

In December 1998, Mr. Gregori received the UN's Award on the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Dr. José Gregori has been active in human rights since his days as a student at São Paulo during the 50's. With the advent of a military regime in 1964, violations of human rights increased significantly in Brazil. Gregori started collaborated with entities seeking the restoration of democracy. He became president of the Peace and Justice Commission, an institution related to the Cardinal of São Paulo that distinguished itself in the defense of political prisoners.

When democracy returned to Brazil in 1985, José Gregori worked with the government of the state of São Paulo and, soon after, with the federal government. He performed various public service functions until invited in 1997 to head the newly created National Secretariat for Human Rights. The new secretariat coordinated the National Program for Human Rights. This action was in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action adopted at the World Convention on Human Rights in 1993, making Brazil a distinguished participant. In early 1999, José Gregori became Secretary of State for Human Rights, a position with the status of State Minister.

Dr. Gregori's participation in the development and implementation of human rights policy in Brazil has been decisive. He was the main advocate of a law for national reconciliation, Law No. 9140 of 1995. This law acknowledges that those previously called "disappeared" during the year of political resistance to the military regime in Brazil are considered deceased. His earliest initiatives are related to his present duties as mentor and executive appointee of the National Program for Human Rights, the key human rights initiative of the Fernando Henrique Cardoso government.

Dr. Gregori's human rights efforts have given him a distinguished international reputation. Seeking transparency in Brazilian human rights policy, he has worked for a sincere and open dialogue with international organizations and NGOs active in Brazil. Recognizing the importance of international cooperation in the field of human rights, he called for full collaboration with the International Red Cross, UNDID, UNESCO, UNICEF, European Union Secretariat, International Amnesty, and other entities interested in developing programs in Brazil.

The Peoples Republic of China recently invited José Gregori to take part in a permanent forum and dialogue on human rights among developing countries. The Venezuelan and Argentine governments invited him to participate in a collective international human rights effort. He participates in programs and activities organized by the USA, European Union, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Vatican and Sweden. Sweden invited him to integrate a group of twenty world leaders making important statements on human rights, a collection published by the Swedish government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In December 1998, José Gregori became the first Brazilian citizen to receive the United Nations Award for Human Rights, in commemoration of the 50 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To reserve, send email to bildner@gc.cuny.edu or leave message at (212) 817-2096