Mercosul democracy protocol approved by Brazil's CRE

Brazil's Foreign Relations and National Defense Commission (CRE) has approved the Montevideo Protocol on Commitment to Democracy in Mercosul, also known as Ushuaia II. The protocol aims to expand mechanisms for preventing and responding to threats against the democratic order within member nations.

Reported by Senator Nelsinho Trad, the text complements the 1998 Ushuaia Protocol by introducing diplomatic initiatives and consultations with affected authorities to preserve or restore democracy. If diplomatic measures fail, member states may decide on further actions by consensus.

Potential sanctions include the suspension of a country's participation in Mercosul bodies and the loss of benefits from the Treaty of Asunción. Other measures could involve restrictions on trade, borders, air and maritime traffic, communications, and the supply of energy and essential services. These actions must be proportional to the situation and must not jeopardize human rights or the well-being of the population.