UN Expert Urges Brazil to Scrap Controversial Parental Alienation Law

📍 Geneva, Switzerland — A United Nations human rights expert has called on Brazil to repeal its Parental Alienation Law, saying it harms survivors of abuse and goes against international standards for gender equality and child protection.

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, praised a new bill introduced by Brazilian lawmakers—led by a group of feminist congresswomen—that aims to remove the concept of “parental alienation” from national legislation. She said the move would help bring Brazil’s laws in line with global human rights commitments.

Brazil is currently the only country in the world with a law that defines and criminalizes parental alienation. Critics argue the law lacks scientific support and is often misused in custody battles to discredit claims of domestic violence or sexual abuse—especially those made by mothers.

The law defines parental alienation as psychological manipulation by a parent or guardian that turns a child against another parent. However, experts warn that this definition is vague and can wrongly label protective parenting or a child’s refusal to see an abusive parent as alienation.

Alsalem also criticized false claims that most child abuse allegations are fabricated, saying such narratives silence survivors and undermine justice. She urged Brazilian lawmakers to adopt a trauma-informed approach in upcoming hearings and ensure that survivors are protected and heard.

Brazil’s National Police have not responded to requests for comment. The proposed repeal is seen as a key step toward improving legal protections for women and children in Brazil.

Excerpts from jurist.org article by Sarisha Harikrishna | Queen’s U. Belfast School of Law, GB