Diplomatic scandal: Brazilian minister to miss UN assembly over 'unacceptable' US visa
Photo: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Getty Images)
Brazil's health minister refused to attend the UN General Assembly due to visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, according to AP.
It concerns one of the closest allies of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s Health Minister Alexandre Padilha. Next week, he was expected to arrive in New York for the UN General Assembly.
However, the minister received a US visa that allows him to move in New York only between the UN headquarters and a few blocks near his hotel. In his statement, Padilha called the actions of the US authorities "unfounded and arbitrary limitations to Brazil's diplomatic exercise."
According to two Brazilian officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the Lula administration has already submitted an official protest to the UN.
In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Brazilian government expressed concern that similar restrictions could be applied to other members of the delegation. The letter states that the US decision violates Article 105 of the UN Charter and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities, which guarantee freedom of movement for government officials. Brazil also reminded that UN General Assembly resolution 43/48 obliges the host country to ensure unhindered access for all delegations, regardless of their political positions.
So far, neither the UN nor the US government has commented on the situation.
Tensions between the US and Brazil
Relations between the two countries have significantly worsened since US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports. The move followed a ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Court, which sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup.
On July 30, US President Donald Trump introduced an additional 40% tariff on imports from Brazil. Together with the standard 10% tariff, the total now reaches 50%.
Recently, Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison. He was found guilty of attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election and attempting to assassinate President Lula da Silva.
In addition, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
