mega-events

  • Residents in Brazil being removed for mega-events are the last to know

    The following is an interview with Raquel Rolnik – (Special Rapporteur of the United Nations (UN) on adequate housing) – by Manuela Azenha from the site Vi  O Mundo. The urban planner and teacher Raquel Rolnik says that residents are the last to know, after the government decides their communities must be removed to make way for projects related to the World Cup and in the case of Rio de Janeiro, the Olympics.…

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  • Brazil Under Fire For World Cup Slum Evictions

    Reuters, Wednesday May 11, 2011 * Brazil accused of ignoring rights in infrastructure push * Critics say Rio projects ignoring city’s long-term needs * City says many more people will benefit than lose out By Stuart Grudgings RIO DE JANEIRO — (Reuters) – Like his house, Jose Santos de Oliveira is an island of resistance.…

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  • Delays In World Cup Construction Are Cause For Concern

    Brazil is falling behind preparations for the 2014 World Cup, and is still within reach of losing its bid if it doesn’t speed up progress. This news comes from the Brazilian Audit Court, who has criticized officials for missing deadlines, overspending and a lack of transparency. The fear among critics is that a loss by…

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  • Amnesty International Hears Grievances From Eviction Victims

    The head of Amnesty International was in Rio de Janeiro this week and met with victims who have been forcibly removed from their homes. Secretary General Salil Shetty’s presence in Brazil demonstrates the seriousness of the issue from an international perspective, and is one of many recent events that is slowly increasing pressure and shedding…

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  • Recap – Public Debate – PUC-RJ (April 14, 2011)

    Last week members of Rio de Janeiro’s academic community, as well as members of local community action groups gathered for a public debate, sponsored by the PUC-RJ and the Nomadic University Network. The discussion was centered on housing rights, such as the recent wave of arbitrary forced evictions, the role of the Public Defender’s Office…

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