Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Brazil: Violence against Journalists and Activists

Tuesday 21 June 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy asked about recent assessments on violence against journalists and activists in Brazil, noting the Government's engagement with indigenous leaders and civil society organizations.
  • Kerry McCarthy inquired about working with international authorities to swiftly and transparently investigate Dom Phillips' case, emphasizing accountability for those responsible.
  • Tracey Crouch and Cat Smith both asked about the Department's steps to support Dom Phillips' family through consular assistance during the difficult period following his tragic event.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The question follows the tragic disappearance of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira in the Amazon region. In 2020 alone, at least 182 indigenous activists and 20 environmental campaigners were killed.

Question

What recent assessment has been made on trends in violence against journalists, environmental campaigners, and indigenous activists in Brazil? The relentless drive to develop the Amazon rainforest is behind these murders. What are the Government doing to put maximum pressure on the Bolsonaro Government?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Attacks on environmental activists and indigenous rights defenders in Brazil have increased, and we raise concerns regularly with the Government. We engage regularly with indigenous leaders and civil society organisations. We are committed to defending human rights and continue monitoring developments around indigenous rights. The UK has committed £259 million and an additional £3 billion at COP for protecting the Amazon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of putting maximum pressure on the Bolsonaro Government were not addressed

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Crime & Law Enforcement Foreign Affairs
Context

Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira's disappearance has raised concerns about the safety of environmentalists. In 2020, at least 182 indigenous activists were killed.

Question

Will the Government work with international authorities to investigate Dom Phillips' case swiftly and transparently without interference? This is not just for justice but to protect future journalists and environmentalists doing important work.

Answer from Vicky Ford

We support the case being investigated. There has been close contact between local and national police in Brazil with our embassy team on the ground. It is important that those responsible for this crime are held accountable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about working with international authorities, but the answer only mentions Brazilian officials without addressing international cooperation

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Q3 Tracey Crouch Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Dom Phillips was a journalist and environmentalist working on reporting deforestation in Brazil. His disappearance has raised concerns about the safety of such activists.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to support Dom's family through diplomatic channels during this difficult time? This includes providing consular assistance.

Answer from Vicky Ford

We have been in close contact with members of Dom's family. We continue to offer consular support through this difficult time and any related processes following his tragic event.

Answered
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Q4 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Foreign Affairs
Context

Dom Phillips, a journalist from Lancaster, disappeared while investigating deforestation in Brazil. His work exposed environmental damage that impacts everyone globally.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to provide consular support to Dom's family through diplomatic means during this difficult period?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We have been in close contact with members of Dom's family. We will continue to give consular support at this time and through any related processes following this tragic event.

Answered
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