UN Committee asks for an end to the military presence in schools, after allegations of abuse, disappearances and discriminatory practices in the peripheries
The United Nations Children’s Rights Committee (UN) issued a formal recommendation to Brazil requesting the prohibition of militarization of public schools in the country. The measure meets a request submitted by parliamentarians of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), which question the model adopted by the government of São Paulo under the management of Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans).
Read also: UN condemns and asks for an end of the Civic-Militar schools thanks to the PSOL
In the document, the international agency expressed “profound concern” with reports on institutional violence against children and adolescents in Brazil, also highlighting the existence of structural racial discrimination. In addition, cases of deaths and disappearances of minors during police operations were mentioned, with a recommendation for the Brazilian State to take effective measures against racism and police lethality.
The initiative was headed by parliamentarians Luciene Cavalcante (federal deputy), Carlos Giannazi and Celso Giannazi (state deputy and councilman, respectively), all affiliated with PSOL. Representatives argue that the Civic-Military School Program hurts fundamental educational guidelines and can intensify discriminatory practices against students from peripheral communities.
Given the recommendation, the government of São Paulo reaffirmed its support to the model, stating that the implementation occurred voluntarily and with broad participation of the school community:
“The process respected the autonomy of the units and the protagonism of the school community, being implemented only where there was majority approval.”
The program was implemented in 100 schools from São Paulo after three selection stages:
- Manifestation of interest: 302 Directors applied initially;
- Public consultations: Parents, staff and students over 16 years old voted, resulting in the adhesion of 132 units;
- Final selection: The government defined the 100 schools that would operate under the civic-military regime.
Defenders of the model state that it contributes to the formation of values such as civility, discipline and respect for order, integrating with the pedagogical proposal of the institutions. However, critics indicate that the presence of military in schools tends to criminalize the most vulnerable young people and reinforces historical inequalities.
Although the UN recommendation is not mandatory, its position reinforces the external pressure on national public policies related to education and human rights. The theme should continue to generate debates between state governments, the federal executive and civil society organizations in the coming months.
With information from metropolis*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/06/12/onu-recomenda-ao-brasil-ensino-sem-farda-apos-pedido-do-psol/
