Brazil is recognized as a regional leader in refugee protection, notably through its implementation of prima facie refugee status determination procedures based on the regional definition outlined in the 1984 Cartagena Declaration. This approach, enshrined in national legislation, applies to individuals fleeing serious human rights violations from countries such as Venezuela, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Mali, and Syria. The National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) has also extended protection to individuals persecuted on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as to women and girls at risk of female genital mutilation. To enhance the efficiency of refugee status determination (RSD) procedures, Brazil is deploying advanced electronic and data management tools.

In addition, Brazil has implemented a humanitarian visa and temporary residence policy for nationals of Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine. Venezuelan nationals who opt not to seek asylum may also apply for temporary residence permits.

As part of its strategic efforts to promote sustainable inclusion, Brazil is developing a National Policy for Migrants, Refugees, and Stateless Persons. This policy aims to facilitate local integration by streamlining access to rights and services across federal, state, and municipal levels. The country also benefits from robust subnational coordination mechanisms, including 44 state and municipal committees and councils, a national forum of state committees and councils (FONACCERAM), 27 state and municipal policies and plans, and the recently launched Network of Welcoming Cities.

Since 2018, the Brazilian government has supported Venezuelan refugees and migrants through "Operation Welcome" (Operação Acolhida), a federally coordinated response that provides reception, documentation, shelter, humanitarian assistance, and voluntary internal relocation. As of May 2025, over 148,657 Venezuelans have been relocated to approximately 1,000 cities across Brazil. The government has also launched a plan of action to strengthen the integration of the considerable Haitian population.

Following the introduction of the humanitarian visa policy for Afghans in 2021, more than 13,100 visas have been issued, and over 12,000 Afghans have arrived in Brazil. In April 2025, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security launched an innovative community sponsorship program to support the reception and integration of Afghan nationals. Similar mechanisms are under consideration for the Haitian community.

Brazil’s humanitarian response is bolstered by the active participation of civil society, refugee-led organizations, and the private sector. Academia also plays a vital role, with 50 universities participating in the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair initiative.

Finally, Brazil remains a committed supporter of the Global Compact on Refugees. At the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, the country pledged to advance initiatives in family reunification, refugee participation in decision-making, resettlement and complementary pathways, local integration, asylum system strengthening, refugee healthcare, and adherence to the Cartagena+40 process.