Humans released this Friday a public note expressing "deep concern" about the implementation of the Program

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) released this Friday (24) a public note in which it expresses "deep concern" with the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Program, run by the City of Rio de Janeiro. The CNDH considers that the initiative adopted to intensify the planning of the waterfront includes measures aimed at street vendors who have caused human rights violations.

Informal workers carry out a new act against the Zero Tolerance program. MPF calls for suspension of the Zero Tolerance program on Rio's waterfront. In the document, the council declares support for the measures required by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and defends the immediate suspension of the effects of Municipal Decree No. 58,256/2026, which established the program, with regard to action on street vendors.

According to the CNDH, combating organized crime is an obligation of the State, but it cannot result in the stigmatization of a professional category. For the body, the adoption of exclusively repressive policies and the use of the expression "zero tolerance" signal a logic of social exclusion of vulnerable populations from the city's public spaces. The note follows the MPF's arguments, arguing that sea beaches are Union assets.

In view of this, the CNDH states that the intervention promoted by the municipality on the shores of Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon occurred without prior adherence to the Beach Management Adhesion Term (TAGP) and without the elaboration of an Integrated Management Plan (PGI), instruments provided for the shared management of these spaces. The CNDH also considers that street vendor work is a professional activity recognized by law and represents the main source of income for thousands of families. According to the council, the current inspection policy makes it difficult to carry out the activity without presenting effective regularization mechanisms, compromising the constitutional right to free exercise of work and the so-called existential minimum.

Another highlighted point refers to reports of violence during inspection operations. The document mentions reports presented by social movements, including the United Movement of Camelôs (Muca), of attacks against street vendors, including the use of pepper spray against migrant women and children. For the collegiate, if confirmed, the incidents constitute serious human rights violations and reinforce the need for strict protocols to prevent the disproportionate use of force by public agents.

Street vendors protest against the Rio de Janeiro city hall decree that restricts street commerce in the city. Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil In the note, the organization also argues that the impacts of the policy fall mainly on black, brown, migrant and refugee people, groups that find informal commerce an alternative for generating income given the difficulties of entering the formal job market. The council states that the absence of specific policies for these segments disregards commitments made by Brazil in international treaties to protect refugees and migrants.

The CNDH also criticizes the lack of social participation in the formulation of measures for Rio's waterfront. According to the document, the management of these spaces must comply with the guidelines of the Orla Project, a federal policy that provides for participatory planning with the involvement of public bodies, civil society and workers. The collegiate defends the creation of a permanent dialogue table to build an inclusive and participatory urban planning plan, as well as the adoption of specific protocols to prevent the excessive use of force during inspection actions. City Hall claims to combat organized crime The Zero Tolerance Program began on the morning of July 16, with the seizure of goods and revolt by street vendors, who held a demonstration on the Copacabana waterfront, which extended to Leme, in front of the Copacabana Palace.