IACHR condemns violent deaths committed by security agents in Brazil

September 8, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expresses its concern about institutional violence in Brazil and the tolerance of impunity in control procedures. It urges the State to review its public security policies with a human rights approach.

Between May and July 2025, incidents of lethal violence committed by state agents were recorded in Brazil, constituting excessive use of force. On July 4, in São Paulo, Guilherme Dias Santos, a 26-year-old Afro-descendant, was killed by a military police officer, an incident recognized by the government itself as particularly serious. Days later, Igor Oliveira, 24, was executed while surrendering, with his hands up, as documented by body cameras. On June 13, Jeferson de Souza was shot three times despite being unarmed.

On May 1, in Rio de Janeiro, Gabriel Vieira was shot in the back and killed. On June 7, in the Santo Amaro Community, Herus Guimarães Mendes died during an operation by an elite police force at a community festival, which also left five people injured. In Bahia, on May 10, guide Victor Cerqueira died in a police operation. At least 12 massacres involving security forces were also recorded in this state in 2025.

Legal and institutional deficiencies prevent an adequate system of control over the use of force and hinder independent investigations. Deaths caused by police officers continue to be investigated by the police forces themselves, undermining independence and impartiality. In São Paulo, the number of proceedings initiated by the Military Police Internal Affairs Division has been reduced and the autonomy of bodies responsible for receiving and following up on complaints about police conduct has been revised. In addition, the use of body cameras remains limited: in 2025, only fourteen states and the Federal District reported their partial implementation.

The Commission recognizes that the State has adopted measures to improve the control of police lethality, such as the regulation of the use of force, the creation of monitoring committees, training programs, and support actions for affected communities. It also highlights the issuance of guidelines on body cameras; however, it notes with concern the flexibility that allows police officers to turn the equipment on and off. Furthermore, it underscores initiatives such as the National Human Rights Plan for security professionals, the Black Youth Alive Plan, the National Program for Public Security with Citizenship (PRONASCI), and proposed protocols. It also notes the progress of the Constitutional Amendment Proposal, which seeks to strengthen the Unified Public Security System by ensuring greater civil society participation and the creation of autonomous bodies to investigate responsibilities.

The IACHR reiterates the need for a citizen security model aimed at preventing violence and crime, which prioritizes the protection of human rights and incorporates gender, ethnic-racial, and intersectional perspectives. This model must address the structural causes of violence through policies that guarantee sustainable access to economic and social rights. In line with the Brazil 2021 Report, the State must reform police protocols on the use of force in accordance with criteria of legality, proportionality, and necessity, prioritizing tactics to reduce lethality. It must also ensure independent and effective investigations conducted directly by the Public Prosecutor's Office and guarantee comprehensive reparations for victims and their families.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote the observance of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS on this matter. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 181/25

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