4 May 2012: Brazil’s Senate Committee on External Relations and National Defense voted to approve the “host country” agreement between Brazil and the UN, regarding Brazil’s hosting of the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012.

The agreement covers lodging, transport, security, privileges and immunities, and taxes and tariffs, among other issues. It stipulates that the Government of Brazil will provide areas for specialized agencies and others invited by the UN, debates convened by civil society, and cultural activities, in addition to the official negotiations.

The Committee’s Chair said the agreement would ensure security for the Conference, which is expected to involve 50,000 people, and “achieve the desired commitments about sustainable development, poverty eradication and environmental protection.” [Brazilian Senate Press Release]