WBO Researcher Testifies before US Congressional Committee
WBO Statement
May 6 2024
Credit: Billy Wilson
The Democratic members of the Subcommittee on Global Health, Human Rights and International Organizations of the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs have invited Washington Brazil Office (WBO) research associate Fabio Sa e Silva to speak about the situation of freedom of expression and attacks on democracy in Brazil.
The hearing will take place this Tuesday (7), at 10 am (Washington DC time, 11 am Brasília time), with live broadcast via the link.
The invitation is a recognition of Sa e Silva's expertise and the WBO's assessment about the ongoing debate regarding freedom of expression and the defense of democracy in Brazil. One of the documents guiding WBO's contribution to these issues was published on April 19. It contains a long explanation by Sa e Silva, as well as two other researchers associated with the organization, on the issue. See:
Sa e Silva is the Wick Cary Professor of Brazilian Studies at the University of Oklahoma, as well as vice-president of the Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA). He studies the social organization and political impact of law and justice in Brazil and comparatively. He is also one of the coordinators of Project on Autocratic Legalism (PAL).
The WBO, of which As e Silva is one of the 18 associated researchers, is a non-partisan and independent think tank that studies and disseminates analyses and practices of Brazilian civil society to an international public. In this specific case, the WBO considers it pertinent to bring to light information and observations produced by experts in Brazilian politics and the legal system that are linked to individual freedom and the judicial responsibilities of all who enjoy these freedoms in Brazil, as a means of understanding the complexities of this debate.
The congressional committee in question has a broad scope, as it deals, according to the formal description of its work with “International health issues, including transboundary infectious diseases, maternal health and child survival, and programs related to the global ability to address health issues; population issues; the United Nations and its affiliated agencies (excluding peacekeeping and enforcement of United Nations or other international sanctions); the American Red Cross; and the Peace Corps. In addition, legislation and oversight pertaining to: implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; other matters relating to internationally-recognized human rights, including legislation aimed at the promotion of human rights and democracy generally; the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and related issues; and such other matters as the Chairman of the full Committee may determine.”
The members of the Republican Party on the committee may nominate three witnesses for the session, while members of the Democratic Party may nominate one witness, who will be Professor Fabio Sa e Silva. The numerical difference occurs because the Republicans have a majority on the committee: there are five Republicans and three Democrats, not counting the chair of the committee (a Republican) and vice chair (a Democrat).
