Brazil: Continuing violence in Rio’s Rocinha favela

Event

According to security officials, at least 28 shootings, leading to the deaths of at least 18 people, were reported in Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha favela (shantytown) in March. In addition, a total of 561 homicides were reported throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro in February, including at least 100 deaths during police operations. A heightened security presence is expected in the Rocinha favela, and Rio de Janeiro more generally, in the coming weeks and months.

Context

Rio de Janeiro has been suffering from a spike in violence since 2016. The murder rate in the city increased 8 percent in 2017 compared to 2016, and 26 percent compared to 2015. This phenomenon is largely attributed to fighting between heavily armed security forces and criminal gangs in Rio's favelas. However, violent crime rates are also increasing in other areas of the city. On February 20, the Brazilian Senate approved a presidential decree granting the Brazilian Armed Forces special powers and control over law enforcement in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Advice

Individuals in Rio are advised to avoid any areas where security operations are taking place, avoid all favelas more generally due to chronically high rates of violent crime, and adhere to any instructions issued by security forces.