Brazil - Social development

The Organic Social Security Law of Brazil, passed during the Vargas reform years of the 1930s, covered only some four million urban workers by the 1960s, including metallurgical, textile, and other industrial workers and commercial, bank, and store clerks. In 1976, social security laws were consolidated, and in the following year, the National System of Social Security and Welfare was established. Benefits include modest insurance against accidents; old age, invalids', and survivors' pensions; funeral insurance; and medical, dental, and hospital coverage. The social security system is financed by contributions from the employer, the worker, and the government. The maximum rates in are 8–11% of the monthly salary for employees and 20% of payrolls for employers. Unemployment insurance is funded by the government. A family allowance is available for all but domestic employees.

Maternity benefits were introduced under the new Constitution in 1988. However, as a reaction against the maternity leave law, many employers required prospective female employees to present sterilization certificates or tried to avoid hiring women of childbearing age. In 1995, the government passed a law prohibiting employers from demanding sterilization certificates or pregnancy tests.

Perhaps the most significant social challenge facing Brazil is caring for the millions of children who lack sufficient education, housing, health care, and nutrition. It has been estimated that over one-third of all children live in poverty. Thousands of children live and work on the streets in deplorable conditions; some are homeless, but a greater number have homes they return to at night. Many street children abuse drugs and they are often forced to resort to crime and prostitution to make a living. As a result, many shopkeepers have taken action against street children, and there is a widespread tendency to regard the problem as a security concern rather than a human rights issue.

Racial discrimination is pervasive in Brazil. Most Afro-Brazilians work in low paid jobs and live in poor housing. They have fewer opportunities for higher education and professional employment. Indigenous tribes of the Amazon are increasingly being threatened by mining, logging, and ranching, which encroach on their lands. Although a criminal offense, sexual harassment in the workplace remains a problem. Women earn, on average, only 56% as much as men. Sexual and domestic violence is common and often goes unreported.

Serious human rights abuses by the police have been reported, including the beating, torture, and killing of detainees.