Brazil's Human Rights Council seeks IACHR monitoring of religious freedom

The National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) has requested that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression monitor potential risks to religious freedom and freedom of expression during Brazil's 2026 elections.

Signed by CNDH President Ivana Claudia Leal de Souza, the request seeks oversight of hostility, intimidation, and attacks against religious individuals and institutions. The council also requested monitoring of judicial decisions that mandate the removal of political or religious content from social media platforms, as well as how the Brazilian state responds to such incidents.

The document cites recent controversies, including a case involving Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and Nossa Senhora Aparecida, which led to rulings by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding social media posts. The CNDH clarified that the goal is not to prevent criticism of religious institutions, but to distinguish between political, religious, or satirical expression and content that constitutes threats, intimidation, or incitement to violence.