340 international organizations sign open letter against Mercosul-EU treaty

More than 340 international organizations signed an open letter asking the European Union to immediately halt trade negotiations with Brazil. The request came amid talks to a free-trade agreement between the Mercosul and the European Union - which has been in the making for over two decades. Addressed to the presidents of the European Commission, Council and Parliament, the document states that “since the beginning of Bolsonaro’s government…we have been witnessing the increase of human rights violations, attacks against minorities, indigenous populations, traditional communities and LGBTQ people”. Other demands listed on the letter were guarantees that Brazilian products imported into Europe were not involved with deforestation, land grabbing and human rights violations; stronger commitment from Brazil towards implementing the Paris Agreement; supporting Brazilian NGOs that defend democracy and human rights, monitoring human rights violations and providing investigation and support to people under threat.