Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Brazil and other countries in
Latin America & the Caribbean, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Brazil and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
As you may know, an
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Brazil or another
Latin America & Caribbean country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Brazil or another Latin America & Caribbean country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Brazil and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Brazil or another
Latin America & Caribbean country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Brazil, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Brazil and
Latin America & Caribbean Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Brazil and other countries in the
Latin America & Caribbean region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Brazil and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, addressing issues such as:
- Political Persecution: Brazil has seen political instability, and political activists, trade union leaders, and indigenous rights advocates have been subjected to persecution, particularly in times of electoral conflict or regime change. Asylum seekers from Brazil may face risks due to their political views, activism, or association with marginalized groups.
- Violence Against Indigenous Groups: Brazil has a significant indigenous population that faces discrimination and violence, especially in rural areas. While the government has made some efforts to protect indigenous rights, land disputes, illegal logging, and violent evictions remain persistent threats. Indigenous groups in Brazil, particularly those opposing deforestation and land encroachment, are vulnerable to violent attacks and targeted repression.
- Criminal Violence and Organized Crime: Brazil faces widespread violence driven by organized crime, particularly in urban areas and favelas. Drug trafficking, armed gangs, and police violence create an environment where individuals may fear retaliation or threats from criminal organizations. Asylum seekers fleeing such violence may present these risks in their asylum claims.
- Gender-Based Violence: Brazil has high rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, femicide, and sexual assault. Women, particularly those from poor and marginalized communities, are often victims of violence. Asylum seekers fleeing gender-based violence can demonstrate the systemic failure of Brazil's authorities to protect women, which adds strength to their case for asylum.
- LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals in Brazil face significant social stigma, violence, and discrimination. While Brazil has made legal strides in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, the social environment, especially outside major cities, can still be hostile. Asylum applicants from Brazil who identify as LGBTQ+ may seek protection due to the risk of violence, discrimination, and exclusion.
- Human Rights Defenders and Environmental Activists: Brazil is home to many activists who face threats and violence for their work. Human rights defenders, environmentalists, and indigenous advocates often face violence from both state and non-state actors. Asylum seekers from Brazil who have been targeted for their activism can present expert witness reports as part of their claims for protection.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.