Brazil's withdrawal from the Geneva Consensus - Joint Note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women, and the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship

The Brazilian government has decided to update the country's position in international forums and mechanisms that deal with women's issues, with the objective of better promoting and defending the highest standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Brazilian legislation and the commitments assumed by the country at the regional and multilateral levels.

In this regard, the Brazilian Government has decided to withdraw from the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Women's Health and Strengthening the Family. Brazil considers that the document contains a limiting understanding of sexual and reproductive rights and the concept of Family, and may compromise the full implementation of national legislation on the matter, including the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS). The Government reiterates its firm commitment to promoting the effective and comprehensive guarantee of women's health, in line with the provisions of national legislation and health policies in force on this topic, as well as full respect for different family configurations.

In addition, today the Government communicated to the secretariats of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women the Brazilian decision to join the Santiago Commitment ("A regional instrument to respond to the COVID-19 crisis with gender equality"), adopted on January 31 on the occasion of the XIV Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean (CRM/CEPAL), as well as the Declaration of Panama ("Building bridges for a new social and economic pact led by women"), approved by the 39th Assembly of Delegates of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM/OAS), held on May 25-26, 2022.

The Government understands that the Santiago Commitment and the Declaration of Panama are fully aligned with the relevant Brazilian legislation, particularly with respect to the promotion of gender equality and equity in different spheres, the political participation of women, the fight against all forms of violence and discrimination, and sexual and reproductive rights. By joining these instruments, Brazil will have valuable tools for coordinating and promoting policies to guarantee women's rights at the regional and hemispheric levels, thus strengthening the technical dialogue and the potential for multilateral cooperation on the issues.