Racism and Xenophobia

Racism is a serious crime with strict penalties under Brazilian Law. A person who has been charged with this crime can spend up to five years in prison. Law Nº. 7.716 describes the following cases of discrimination:

  • Preventing qualified persons from taking positions in the public service or in private companies based on discrimination on their race, color or religion
  • Refusing to provide service to people in commercial establishments
  • Prohibiting the enrollment of children in schools
  • Preventing black people from entering restaurants, bars or public buildings or using public transport

The Brazilian Criminal Code also foresees a penalty for people who insult others on racial grounds (Art. 140). A racial insult is defined as an offence to the honor of someone using elements of race, color, ethnicity, religion or country of origin. Racial insult is directed against a specific person, while the crime of racism is directed at a collectivity.

If you eventually become a victim of it, you should immediately report it to the public authorities. There are many ways to do it:

You can read more on the website of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.