From 2013 to 2023, RioOnWatch ran the Best and Worst International Reporting on Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas series. It began, quite symptomatically, with the Worst International Reporting on Rio’s Favelas: 2013, where our conclusion was stark: many articles were “not only inaccurate but dangerous in reinforcing a stigmatized, unidimensional view of Rio’s favelas and their residents.” Over the years, the series documented a slow yet meaningful shift—not only in the portrayal of favelas and their residents in international media but also in the choice of topics and the growing nuance in reporting. This evolution culminated in the 2023 edition, which celebrated only the best of international coverage.
In the spirit of this now-retired series, and recognizing the significant progress in international media, we are pleased to launch a new series in 2024. Written by guest collaborators, here we highlight recommended stories on favelas and peripheral areas across Brazil, continuing our commitment to amplify authentic and nuanced narratives on these territories and their residents.
The Importance of Nomenclature and Righting Historical Wrongs
16 Million People Live in Neighborhoods Brazil Calls ‘Subnormal.’ It’s Finally Changing the Name
Associated Press – David Biller and Diane Jeantet
In this article for the AP, David Biller and Diane Jeantet take a closer look at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics’ (IBGE) decision to replace the term “subnormal agglomerates” with “favelas and urban communities,” an important shift aimed at reducing the stigma associated with informal urban neighborhoods. The piece delivers significant informational value by tracing the history of the old terminology, explaining its problematic implications, and highlighting the collaborative process that led to the change, including consultations with experts, civil society groups, and residents. The article’s inclusion of historical context—such as the origins of the term “favela” and its ties to resilience and struggle—adds depth and frames the story in a broader cultural and political narrative. Personal anecdotes, such as State Deputy Renata Souza’s reflections on the emotional impact of the old terminology, humanize the story and add important emotional depth. By avoiding sensationalism and focusing instead on systemic issues and the potential for progress, the piece offers a constructive and respectful portrayal of favelas. This thoughtful approach, combined with its focus on empowerment and solutions, makes it an exemplary model of fair and impactful reporting on historically marginalized communities.
Residents of Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas Make Unprecedented Claim for Reparations for Persecution Under Dictatorship
Agência Pública via Global Voices – Lucas Pedretti and Marcelo Oliveira
Written by Lucas Pedretti and Marcelo Oliveira for Agência Pública, and translated by Liam Anderson for Global Voices, this article highlights a pivotal moment in Brazil’s pursuit of traditional justice: the first-ever demand for collective amnesty by the Federation of Favela Resident Associations of Rio de Janeiro (FAFERJ) and the Public Defenders’ Office. The piece sheds light on the systematic persecution of favelas and their leaders during Brazil’s military dictatorship, including forced evictions, arbitrary arrests, and violence. Blending historical analysis and current justice efforts, the article emphasizes the symbolic reparations sought to acknowledge these injustices. By connecting the repression of the dictatorship era to ongoing structural inequalities, the piece provides a detailed and nuanced perspective on Brazil’s historical and social challenges. It stands as an invaluable contribution to discussions on human rights and collective memory.
Reflections of State Violence
Book of Kids’ Drawings Reflect Regular Violence Shaping Their Lives in a Rio de Janeiro Favela
Associated Press – Mauricio Savarese and Diarlei Rodriguez
This article, written by Mauricio Savarese and Diarlei Rodrigues for the AP, reports on the launch of a powerful book titled I Was Supposed to be at School, created by children and teenagers from Rio de Janeiro’s Maré grouping of favelas. The book captures the harsh reality of growing up in one of the city’s most populous communities, where children frequently have to shelter from stray bullets, cope with police raids, and experience interruptions to their education. Through the testimonials and drawings of the youth, the book illustrates the toll that ongoing violence has on their lives. In addition to accounts of police misconduct, including instances of abuse and deaths like that of 14-year-old Marcus Vinícius da Silva, the book also expresses hope for a better future, with a child dreaming of peace and a return to school. The youth-centered focus of this story fills a stylistic gap in reporting which can often focus on the voices of adults. By maintaining the anonymity of the children involved, the authors not only protect their safety but also demonstrate respect for their privacy and well-being. This story stands out for spotlighting the hopeful spirit of the youth in the favelas and their role in activism, making it a well-deserved addition to this list.
Founder of Manguinhos’ Mothers: “The Struggle Gave Meaning to My Life”
Agência Brasil – Rafael Cardoso
In this article published in English by Brazilian outlet Agência Brasil, Rafael Cardoso tells Ana Paula Oliveira’s story of unwavering determination in the face of immense loss. Born and raised in the Manguinhos favela of Rio de Janeiro, Oliveira has dedicated nearly a decade to seeking justice for her son Jonatha, who was killed in 2014 by a shot fired by a Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) officer. Jonatha, 19, was on his way home when he encountered a confrontation between police and residents. The investigation into his death was plagued by delays and inconsistencies, and it was only in March of this year—10 years later—that the trial finally took place. To support other grieving mothers and amplify the fight against systemic violence and impunity, Oliveira founded the Manguinhos’ Mothers group. For her, achieving justice is not only about her son but also about preventing future tragedies and fostering societal change. Her resilience serves as a powerful voice for countless families navigating similar struggles, embodying hope and a commitment to transformation. Avoiding dramatization, this article offers a balanced account that underscores both the pain of loss and the strength found in advocacy. By amplifying Oliveira’s truth, the article raises awareness of human rights issues and police violence in the favelas, rendering it a powerful and respectful example of responsible journalism.
Update: On March 6, 2024 the Military Police officer Alessandro Marcelino de Souza was convicted of involuntary manslaughter (without intent to kill) in Jonatha’s death. This resulted in a lighter sentence, which remains to be assigned by the Military Justice System. Marcelino de Souza remains a free man, 10 years after the original crime.
Art, Fashion, and Entrepreneurship Propel Favela Culture into the Stratosphere
Born in Favelas, Brazilian Funk Gets Swank, Goes Global
Agence France-Presse via France 24
Reported by AFP via France 24 News, this piece looks at how Brazilian funk, originating in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, has grown from local “baile funk” parties to a global phenomenon, embraced by stars like Beyoncé and Anitta. Blending hip-hop, electronic, and Afro-Brazilian beats, the genre symbolizes pride for favela residents while addressing themes of daily life, violence, and resilience. Despite its international acclaim and role in generating jobs and opportunities, funk faces persistent prejudice rooted in racism, elitism, and its association with drug-related violence. Initiatives like professional training programs and museum exhibitions aim to legitimize funk as a cultural and economic force, showcasing its enduring influence despite ongoing repression and stigma in Brazil. This article exemplifies positive reporting on favelas by illustrating funk’s cultural significance and its transformative role in empowering residents and creating economic opportunities. It also connects the genre’s local roots to its global resonance, reframing favelas as centers of creativity and influence.
Brazilian Dance Craze Created by Young People in Rio’s Favelas is Declared Cultural Heritage
Associated Press – Júlia Dias Carneiro and Diarlei Rodriguez
This article in the AP, explores the journey of passinho, a vibrant dance style originating in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, now officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the state of Rio de Janeiro. Combining influences from samba, capoeira, frevo, breakdancing, and funk, passinho represents a dynamic expression of creativity and resilience from Brazil’s marginalized communities. The piece delves into its roots in the early 2000s, when children and teenagers experimented with movements at home and shared their innovations online, sparking a competitive scene that spread across favelas. It traces the dance’s rise to prominence, from local funk parties to international stages like New York’s Lincoln Center and the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Through vivid profiles of dancers and choreographers, the article shows how passinho provides a positive alternative for youth in neighborhoods often associated with crime, offering a path to self-expression, financial independence, and hope. The engaging narrative and rich cultural context capture the energy and significance of passinho, celebrating its ability to transcend geographic and social barriers. This story highlights the ingenuity of favela communities and their enduring contributions to Brazil’s cultural identity.
Brazilcore: How Favela Fashion Became Cool
Deutsche Welle – Djamilla Prange de Oliveira
This story by Djamilla Oliveira in DW explores the intersection of fashion, identity, and cultural reclamation, highlighting how Rio de Janeiro’s favela-born aesthetic is reshaping perceptions of Brazilian national identity. Centered on designer Abacaxi’s journey, the article examines how his brand, Piña, reclaims symbols like the Brazilian flag—once co-opted by political conservatism—and transforms them into vibrant expressions of pride and resistance. By tracing Abacaxi’s roots in Vila Kennedy and his evolution from designing second-hand shop outfits to dressing Brazilian celebrities, the piece brings valuable insights into the creative energy of the favelas. This article is yet another example of changing the narrative of the favelas, portraying the innovative and rich culture that defines daily life. The narrative weaves personal storytelling with broader societal commentary, illustrating the resilience and ingenuity of Brazil’s marginalized communities. Its connection of the local movement to global trends like Brazilcore, emphasizes the growing appreciation of favela-born fashion on an international stage.
The Problem-Solving Entrepreneurs in Brazil’s Favelas
Americas Quarterly – Brian Winter
In this article in the AQ, Brian Winter highlights the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing in Brazil’s favelas, particularly through initiatives such as Favela Brasil Xpress, founded by Giva Pereira in São Paulo’s Paraisópolis community. The company, which started during the Covid-19 pandemic, bridges the logistical gap by ensuring deliveries reach favela residents, who traditionally faced exclusion from the e-commerce boom due to safety concerns and a lack of physical addresses. The company, which made 1.5 million deliveries last year, is profitable and employs local workers. Alongside this venture, the G-10 Favelas organization, led by Paraisópolis resident Gilson Rodrigues, promotes self-sufficiency with projects like organic gardens, a bakery, and a textile shop. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the economic potential within favelas, where 16.4 million Brazilians live. However, despite this progress, stigma and security concerns still persist, as highlighted by Rodrigues’ efforts to change the narrative and attract businesses to favelas. This story showcases the agency and resilience of favela residents, focusing on entrepreneurial ventures that provide real solutions to long-standing challenges. It underlines empowerment in place of victimhood, and includes a balanced portrayal of both the successes and the ongoing struggles faced by favela communities. By shedding light on the innovative work being done in these communities, the article counters harmful stereotypes, presenting favelas as hubs of potential and self-driven progress.
From Favelas to Gold: How Community and Public Investments Are Shaping Women Champions
Young Women in Rio Favela Hope to Overcome Poverty and Violence to Play in Women’s World Cup in 2027
Associated Press – Mauricio Savarese and Diarlei Rodriguez
The AP article sheds light on the aspirations of young female soccer players from Complexo do Alemão, Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela complex, as they set their sights on competing in the 2027 Women’s World Cup. With FIFA’s decision to host the tournament in Brazil, these girls, including 15-year-old Kaylane Alves dos Santos, are daring to dream of representing their country on home soil. Despite limited resources, infrequent training sessions, and poor nutrition due to food security issues, compounded by outbreaks of fighting between police and drug traffickers, their determination remains unshaken. The Bola de Ouro project, a community-driven initiative, offers these players not only a safe place to train but also a path to pursue education and personal development. Run by two former soccer hopefuls, the program focuses on instilling discipline and building character while nurturing athletic talent. For many participants, including Kaylane and her sister Kamilly, the project represents an opportunity to transcend the barriers of poverty and violence and to envision brighter futures—whether on the pitch or in other professions. By focusing on positivity while acknowledging the struggles young girls face in their communities, the story paints a balanced portrait of Complexo do Alemão and its residents. However, the inclusion of “poverty” and “violence” in the title risks reinforcing limited views of favelas for readers who do not read the article in its entirety.
How a Bunk Bed Acrobat from a Favela in Brazil Became the #2 Female Gymnast in the World
National Public Radio – Maria Isabel Barros Guinle
This story on NPR by Maria Guinle recounts the remarkable story of Rebeca Andrade, a gymnast who grew up in a São Paulo favela and rose to become a world-class athlete. It details her humble beginnings, from using bunk beds for her first “acrobatics,” to walking hours to training sessions when her family couldn’t afford bus fare. Social programs like Guarulhos’, sports scholarships, and supportive coaches played a critical role in nurturing her talent, allowing her to move to professional training centers at a young age. Andrade’s journey also highlights the financial and geographic barriers faced by low-income athletes in Brazil, where the cost of training is prohibitive for many, and access to resources is often limited to large metropolitan areas. Despite these challenges, Andrade has transformed her life through gymnastics, becoming a symbol of hope and success for children in similar circumstances. This article balances Andrade’s personal resilience with a nuanced discussion of the structural challenges facing athletes from low-income communities, shedding light on how limited access to resources excludes untapped talent. By highlighting the importance of community programs and Andrade’s ability to inspire others, the piece portrays the favela not as a site of despair but as a source of untapped potential, earning it a spot on this year’s list of best favela reporting.
Facing the Future with Lingering Challenges
This Activist Says the Climate Crisis has Already Arrived in Her Favela
World Economic Forum (Video)
This video from the World Economic Forum shares an important perspective on life in the favelas and the harsh realities of the climate crisis already impacting residents. Hosana Silva, a climate activist from the favelas of Recife, discusses her firsthand experience with climate-related issues in her community. Global conversations on climate change often focus on hypothetical scenarios: what if we lose access to food, what if we have to relocate due to natural disasters, or what if a family member is killed in a flood? For those living in the favelas, these are not hypotheticals—they are daily life. The video combines statistics and evidence with commentary from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who addresses the migratory impacts of climate change. Its format serves as a model for future video-based journalism, presenting a well-rounded argument led by the voice of a favela activist and supported by data and technical insight. The profound effects of climate change in the favelas remain underreported, and this video is a contribution to the solutions journalism genre.
Traditional ‘Quilombola’ Communities in Brazil Face Threats While They Await Titles to Their Lands
Nonada Jornalismo via Global Voices – Thais Domingos
This piece written by Thais Domingos for Nonada Jornalismo and translated by Liam Anderson for Global Voices highlights the journey of the Família Araújo quilombola community in Betim, Minas Gerais, as they fought to protect their home and cultural identity. After decades of living on land allocated to them by local authorities, the family faced eviction without compensation, sparking a battle for recognition as a traditional quilombola community. With support from land rights advocates, local leaders, and other quilombola groups, they successfully secured certification, protecting their land and affirming their cultural heritage. The story sheds light on the broader challenges faced by quilombola communities, from systemic racism to legal obstacles, while emphasizing the importance of solidarity and self-determination in overcoming these barriers. Comparisons to rural quilombos in Bahia further illustrate the complex dynamics of land rights and identity in Brazil. The piece’s positive focus, combined with perspectives from multiple family members, makes it exemplary reporting.
New Study Shows that 92% of Quilombola Areas are Under Threat
Brasil de Fato – Murilo Pajolla
Reported by Murilo Pajolla for Brasil de Fato, a recent study by the Socio-Environmental Institute (ISA) and the National Coordination of Quilombo Articulation (CONAQ) revealed that nearly all of Brazil’s quilombola territories—98.2%—face existential threats from infrastructure projects, mining, and overlapping private properties. These pressures lead to deforestation, water contamination, and the erosion of traditional ways of life, violating the rights of quilombola communities. Infrastructure projects are particularly impactful in the Central-West and North regions, while mining requests and private property claims heavily affect areas like Goiás and Pará. Notably, some territories, like Kalunga do Mimoso and Erepecuru, experience near-total overlap with external pressures. The report calls for urgent action to cancel conflicting registrations and uphold quilombolas’ right to prior consultation on projects affecting their lands. This issue highlights the resilience of quilombola communities, which have historically resisted oppression since their origins during Brazil’s colonial period, but now face new environmental and socio-economic challenges in their fight for autonomy and preservation of their heritage. By focusing on marginalized communities and exposing clear human rights violations, while incorporating concrete data and statistics, the article stands out as a strong addition to this list.
