Hosting a meeting between the OECD and Latin American nations in Brasília, the Brazilian government sought to soften the latest blow to the country’s international reputation — the murders of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.
Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said that Brazil is the “greatest green power” and a “decisive part” of environmental protection in the world. Vice President Hamilton Mourão said the country “preserves human rights” and fosters “sustainable development.” And Foreign Minister Carlos França said the deaths “do not create an obstacle” for Brazil’s OECD membership path.
President Jair Bolsonaro did not attend the event, which runs until Thursday.
Messrs. Phillips and Pereira were murdered in a region of the Amazon with growing cases of drug and arms trafficking, illegal fishing and poaching, and land invasions. The case laid bare the lawlessness that has reigned in remote Amazonian areas due to government neglect.
Brazilian officials stressed that OECD membership is a top priority for the government, but Mr. Guedes tempered his expectations, saying it will be “a long process.” Earlier this month, the organization approved entry pathways for Brazil and Peru.
Brazil has already adhered to more than 100 required OECD commitments (out of 250). But the organization’s executive secretary, Matias Cormann, recalled that Brazil still needs to deliver better results in the areas of environmental protection, competitiveness, and education investments.
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