UNHCR welcomes Brazil’s new national policy on refugees, migrants and stateless

GENEVA - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the adoption yesterday of a national policy in Brazil advancing the nationwide protection and support of vulnerable groups, including refugees.

The new policy on migration, asylum and statelessness, led by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, establishes a comprehensive framework involving federal, state and municipal governments, civil society, international organizations, private entities and the affected populations themselves.

Anchored in Brazil's constitution, refugee and migration laws, as well as in international commitments, it sets out clear guidelines for protection, assistance and local integration - reinforcing Brazil's longstanding human rights and humanitarian tradition. 

The policy aims to strengthen inclusion in essential services, such as health care, education, employment, housing and social assistance. It also promotes decent work and equal opportunities for all, regulates the reception of individuals affected by humanitarian crises, and fosters cooperation across government. 

It also supports awareness campaigns against xenophobia and discrimination, encourages intercultural education, and guarantees the active participation of refugees, migrants and stateless people in decision-making. It prioritizes data collection and analysis to inform and evaluate public policies, assigning specific responsibilities to different ministries. 

"UNHCR commends Brazil for this significant achievement," said Davide Torzilli, UNHCR Representative in Brazil. "The development and publication of this much-needed national policy reflects the Government's commitment to expanding and improving mechanisms for the reception and integration of refugees, migrants and stateless people - allowing them to fully exercise the rights already enshrined in law." 

The groundwork for the new policy was laid at the 2nd National Conference on Migration, Asylum and Statelessness (COMIGRAR). With over 14,000 participants across 199 preparatory meetings, the conference last year generated 60 priority recommendations informed by the voices of refugees, migrants and stateless people in Brazil. 

The new national policy and the COMIGRAR process reaffirm Brazil's leadership in the protection of displaced people. By implementing a robust legal and institutional framework, Brazil enables inclusive public policies that support humanitarian responses, foster integration and help displaced people contribute locally. UNHCR reiterates its commitment to supporting Brazil in the implementation of this policy.

For more information, please contact:

• In Brazil, Miguel Pachioni, [email protected], +55 (61) 99914 4049

• In Panama, Luiz Fernando Godinho, [email protected], +507 6356 0074

• In Geneva: Matthew Saltmarsh, [email protected], +41 79 967 99 36