A/HRC/36/11 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-seventh session from 1 to 12 May 2017. The review of Brazil was held at the 9th meeting, on 5 May 2017. The delegation of Brazil was headed by Luislinda Dias de Valois Santos, Minister of Human Rights. At its 14th meeting, held on 9 May 2017, the Working Group adopted the report on Brazil. 2. On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Brazil: Botswana, El Salvador and Kyrgyzstan. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Brazil: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/BRA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/BRA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/BRA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Brazil through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation of the State under review engaged in the twenty-seventh session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review in a spirit of constructive dialogue. It considered the universal periodic review a dynamic exercise, and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government and non-governmental partners to fully implement the recommendations. 6. It stated that Brazil was going through a challenging period that imposed short-term sacrifices and that required structural reforms, which were vital to generate jobs and ensure equal opportunities for all, in full respect for human rights. In view of the gravity of the economic crisis inherited by the Government, Brazil had approved a constitutional amendment aimed at balancing public finances while preserving Brazilian social programmes. Without that adjustment, persistent fiscal imbalances could lead to a vicious cycle of low growth, high inflation and chronic unemployment, undermining the ability of the State to finance public policies that benefited the poor and vulnerable groups. 7. Faced with rapid changes in the demographic profile of Brazilian society, the Government sought to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the social security system. In doing so, it was committed to respecting acquired rights and ensuring transitional rules. The labour reform, in turn, was aimed at promoting investment and job creation. These were reforms that were being debated extensively and democratically in the National Congress. 8. Concerning adequate housing, the My House, My Life programme had been expanded. It was aimed at reducing the country’s housing deficit by financing low-income 2