OAS recommends measures to protect juvenile interns

Adriana Franzin

Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - The Interamerican Human Rights Court at the Organization of American States (Corte Interamericana dos Direitos Humanos da Organização dos Estados Americanos) which has been holding hearings on cases of abuses at the Tatuapé (state of São Paulo) juvenile retention center (Fundação do Bem Estar do Menor) (Febem) has announced its decision in the form of a series of recommendations. The Tatuapé Febem (reform school) has been the scene of numerous riots and inmate rebellions. Since 2004 Brazilian NGOs that are active in human rights have denounced cases of torture and deaths at the Tatuapé Febem.

The court made the following recommendations: that measures be taken to impede further rebellions; that the physical integrity and the lives of the inmates and center personnel be protected; that the adminstrator of the center identify people who practice torture and abuse, and punish them accordingly; halt prolonged confinements, known as "trancas"; make a substantial reduction in the number of inmates; separate inmates in accordance with international norms; provide inmates with medical assistance; make regular inspections of the facilities and report back to the Interamerican Human Rights court every two months.

If the court's recommendations are not followed it is possible that Brazil will face economic and political sanctions.

Translation: Allen Bennett