“Marginalized groups suffer unduly harsh consequences due to Brazil’s economic policies of austerity, prompting United Nations rights experts to urge the Government to instead prioritize human rights”, 3 august 2018

People living in poverty, and other marginalized groups, are disproportionately suffering as a result of the stringent economic measures in a country once considered as an example of progressive policies to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion,” said a statement released by a group of seven UN human rights experts…[D]ata recently made available, reveals a rise in child mortality rates for the first time in 26 years, attributable in part to the Zika disease virus epidemic and economic crisis of recent years…[“S]ome of the financial and fiscal decisions made…affect the enjoyment of several rights, including to housing, food, water, sanitation, education, social security and health, and are worsening pre-existing inequalities”…[T]hey stressed that austerity measures, which have been popular across the world since the 2008 economic crisis, should never be the only -  or first - solution to tackling economic problems…[E]conomic crises do not justify cuts to services and social rights…[O]nce a champion in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, Brazil, is dramatically reversing major policies…[P]ublic spending is expected to remain capped for 20 years, further underscoring the need to review economic policies with a human rights lens…