by International Observers

On the Origin of ‘Favela’

‘Please be careful when you open the overhead luggage after landing, and please remember there is still time to give a donation to our youth program in the favelas. Your donation can help a young […]

Research & Analysis

Squatter’s Rights: The Basics

Since the era of Henry I in England, societies have understood that property ownership is an important means to building wealth for individuals and creating value for communities. Therefore, when property was left unclaimed or abandoned it […]

#HousingWatch

Morar Carioca: What’s Not to Like?

Say what you want about Morar Carioca, the latest incarnation of Rio’s favela upgrading programs, but you can’t claim that it’s lacking in ambition – at least not on paper. The initiative, which is actually […]