Human Rights Watch has condemned Brazil’s Congress for advancing environmental legislation that would weaken licensing requirements. The organization urged lawmakers to instead support ongoing climate negotiations and ratify the Escazú Agreement, a regional pact designed to protect environmental defenders and guarantee public participation in ecological matters.
The contested bill would permit developers to self-certify their compliance with environmental standards and automatically renew permits without a full review. The Brazilian Senate is scheduled to vote on whether to reinstate these provisions after a presidential veto. United Nations experts have warned that the proposed law could intensify climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The advocacy group emphasized that ratifying the Escazú Agreement would establish stronger safeguards for those defending the environment. This criticism emerges as Brazil hosts a major international climate conference, where nations are seeking agreements to address the global climate crisis.
The contested bill would permit developers to self-certify their compliance with environmental standards and automatically renew permits without a full review. The Brazilian Senate is scheduled to vote on whether to reinstate these provisions after a presidential veto. United Nations experts have warned that the proposed law could intensify climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The advocacy group emphasized that ratifying the Escazú Agreement would establish stronger safeguards for those defending the environment. This criticism emerges as Brazil hosts a major international climate conference, where nations are seeking agreements to address the global climate crisis.
