From sejup1@alternex.com.br Sun Sep 16 12:11:22 2001
Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 00:35:55 -0500 (CDT)
From: SEJUP <sejup1@alternex.com.br>
Subject: News from Brazil, No. 450
Article: 126275
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Overcrowded Febem to be denounced to the OAS
SEJUP (Servico Brasileiro de Justica e Paz), News from Brazil, No. 450, 12 September 2001
The Commission of Human Rights of Sao Paulo announced this week that it will denounce an overcrowded Febem (juvenile detention center) to the OAS (Organization of American States.) The Febem in question is currently holding 300 adolescents in a building designed for 60. In addition to the overcrowding, the Febem has other problems: the adolescents pass the days with no organized activities; they are not permitted to talk to each other or even stand up without permission; bathroom usage is restricted; and three detainees have to share one mattress. The Commission is making the denouncement in hopes that international pressure will change the situation.