Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a stern request to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, urging him to veto a controversial piece of legislation that threatens to significantly weaken environmental protections in Brazil. The contentious bill, which recently passed through the Chamber of Deputies, has sparked widespread concern among environmental and human rights groups.

The proposed legislation, known formally as Bill PL 2159/2021 and informally as the "Devastation Bill," was approved on July 17 by a vote of 267 to 115. Critics argue that it was pushed through with minimal public engagement and substantial support from the agribusiness and oil and gas sectors, raising alarms about its implications for the environment and indigenous communities.

Under the new law, a "special environmental license" would be introduced, allowing for swift approval of projects deemed strategic by the government, such as oil exploration in the Amazon Rainforest. This license would enable companies to bypass traditional environmental assessments by simply submitting a self-declaration. Additionally, the bill proposes exempting entire sectors, including agroforestry and livestock farming, from any licensing requirements, requiring only a basic adherence form.

Maria Laura Canineu, HRW’s deputy director for environment and human rights, emphasized the dangers of foregoing environmental impact assessments. "Allowing projects to go forward without environmental impact assessments is a recipe for disaster," she said, pointing out that such oversights could lead to catastrophic events similar to the Brumadinho Dam collapse.

The legislation has also been criticized for potentially violating Brazil’s Federal Constitution and international treaties, including the International Labour Organization Convention No. 169. Concerns have been particularly vocal among indigenous groups, who see the bill as a direct threat to their rights and environmental preservation.

International bodies, including United Nations experts, have echoed these apprehensions, suggesting that the bill contradicts Brazil’s commitments to human rights and obligations under international law to mitigate climate change. As Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém, these issues take on added significance, highlighting the country’s role in addressing global climate challenges.

With the global community watching, Human Rights Watch and over 350 civil society organizations have called on President Lula to take a stand by vetoing the bill, aligning Brazil with its international obligations and protecting its environmental and human rights commitments. The decision now rests with President Lula, whose action or inaction will have profound implications not only for Brazil but for global environmental governance.