Brazil's leader lauds election of ex-minister to human rights body

The election of former Brazilian Human Rights Minister Paulo Vannuchi to form part of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) gives Brazil "a reason to be proud," President Dilma Rousseff said Friday in a statement. Rousseff highlighted Vannuchi's achievements as Human Rights Minister and "his hard work and dedication," saying he will make a "relevant contribution" to the regional body, part of the Organization of American States (OAS). "In Brazil, Vannuchi consolidated the institutional role of the Human Rights Secretariat and contributed to the recovery of the historical truth about the victims of the dictatorship," she said. Presidency Secretary General Gilberto Carvalho said Vannuchi's election represents "international recognition of Brazil's human rights policies." "The election undoubtedly represents recognition of Brazil's importance on the global stage, especially in human rights matters, which we really work on. It is a tradition for Brazil, not only for this government," he added. Vannuchi was elected late Thursday to one of the commission's three vacant seats for the 2014-2017 period, along with James Cavallaro, from the U.S., and Jesus Orozco Henriquez, from Mexico, who was reelected. The IACHR is composed of seven members elected to four-year terms, with the possibility of a single reelection. The former minister's election is the latest in a series of recent diplomatic coups for Brazil, including the election of Roberto Azevedo as head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the nomination of Jose Graziano as head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Carvalho said the election of several Brazilians to key positions in international organizations increases the country's global responsibility, and pushes Brazil "to become a human rights champion, facing our domestic problems." Vannuchi began his career in politics as a leftist militant in the struggle against Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, and went on to serve as head of the Human Rights Secretariat from 2005 to 2010, during the administration of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.