Rights of refugees and asylum seekers
We emphasize that asylum seekers and refugees have the same rights as all Brazilians. As provided for in Article 6 of the Federal Constitution of Brazil, social rights are education, health, food, work, housing, transportation, leisure, security, social security, protection of maternity and childhood and assistance to the homeless.
Watch the video that talks about the basic rights of asylum seekers and refugees. To access the video in Portuguese, with English and Spanish subtitles, and with subtitles in French and Arabic.
Refugees and asylum seekers cannot be expelled or returned to a country or territory where their life or physical integrity is at risk of being violated, and under no circumstances can they be returned to their country of origin. Recognition of refugee status also stops any extradition process and prevents the refugee from being expelled, except for reasons of national security or public order. This right is provided for in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, to which Brazil is a signatory. If you are prosecuted and face extradition or expulsion proceedings, you are entitled to free legal assistance provided by the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
While their asylum claim is under analysis, asylum seekers have the right not to be investigated or fined for their irregular entry into the Brazilian territory.
No one can have their rights restricted due to their skin colour, gender, age, sexual orientation, social situation, economic conditions or religion. Racism is a crime in Brazil.
For more information, see Section Racism and Xenophobia.
For more information on family reunification, please visit the family reunification and extension of the effects of refugee status section .
In Brazil, men and women have the same rights. Therefore, any form of violence against women, based on gender or sexual orientation, is a crime. Women who have been victims of violence have the right to assistance and can report the crime through the Dial 180 or by going to the police stations specialized in combating violence against women.
According to article 43 of the Brazilian Refuge Law, the atypical condition of refugees must be considered by the Brazilian authorities and institutions when it is necessary to present documents issued by their countries of origin or by their diplomatic and consular representations.
If you, a recognized refugee or asylum seeker, want to travel abroad, check the need to communicate or request authorization from CONARE in the trip abroad section .