Agenda
Rousseff is keen to reverse the country's crime trend that still rates Brazil as one of the world's most violent countries. The average homicide rate in Brazil over the past decade has remained around 26 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Institutional structure
The Federal Administration controls three different police organizations, all of civilian nature, for specific duties, while municipal governments may, optionally, constitute autonomous security forces, for lower complexity missions.
Ministry of justice
“At the present, we have some situations in Brazil that require a particular attention from our government. Regarding drug consumption, we have a concerning situation with crack. The other situation refers to violence and a very high homicide rate.”
- Brazilian Minister of Justice, Jose Eduardo Cardozo
History
Murder rates
A new report shows that since 1980, murder rates in Brazil have more than doubled. Over one million violent deaths were recorded in the country in the last thirty years – the equivalent of wiping out the entire populations of Fiji, Quatar or Montengro, and more besides.
Effort to fight crime
Historically, little effort or funding was spent securing Brazil’s border; there was no need. Yet as the economy of South America’s largest country has leapfrogged its neighbors’, Brazil has become a huge market for cocaine, second only to the U.S., according to a recent study by the Federal University of São Paulo.
Current Status
Violence, drugs and organized crime
According to a report from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) the homicide rate in the country doubled from 15 to 32 homicide victims per 100,000 citizens between 1980 and 2002.
Human trafficking
Brazil is a large source country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking within the country and abroad, as well as a source country for men and children in forced labor within the country. To a more limited extent, Brazil is a destination and transit country for men, women, and children in forced labor and sex trafficking.
Problems in the police force
Police abuse, including extrajudicial execution, is a chronic problem. According to official data, police were responsible for 372 killings in the state of Rio de Janeiro and 252 killings undoubtedly result from legitimate use of force by police officers, many others do not, a fact documented by Human Rights Watch and other groups and recognized by Brazilian criminal justice officials.
Key Policies
Strategic Border Plan
Brazil’s Plano Estratégico de Fronteiras (Strategic Border Plan) consists of two major operations, costing some R$8 billion and representing an overhaul in policy: Operation Ágata, led by the Ministry of Defense and mobilizing the Armed Forces, and Operation Sentinel, under which the Ministry of Justice coordinates the Federal Police, the Federal Highway Police and the National Security Force.
Favela pacification program
A total of roughly thirty favelas have been ‘pacified’ and gained a UPP [Police Pacification Unit], most recently the Manguinhos and Jacarezinho communities near Rio’s Centro (Center). One result of the improved security levels is the growing numbers of foreigners that have decided to live in the formerly dangerous areas.
International Cooperation
With the World Cup and Olympics fast approaching, Brazil is keener than ever to tackle its drug epidemic … According to the president, Brazil has already signed agreements with countries including Colombia, Peru and Bolivia to more effectively combat organized crime in the region. The government now aims to intensify cooperation over intelligence and crime prevention.
Key Figures
Homicide rate
According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Brazil, in 2011 had 21 homicides per 100,000 capita. In 2008 70.8% of all homicides committed were by firearms. In São Paulo – the most populous city – in 2009 10.8 homicides had been committed per 100,000 capita.
Mapa da Violência 2012 (Map of Violence 2012)
“It is difficult to understand how, in a country without religious, ethnic or racial conflicts, without disputes over territory or borders, and without civil war or violent political confrontations, [Brazil] has managed to exterminate more of its own citizens than the number of people who have died in recent armed conflicts around the world.”
Miscellaneous
Brazil is facing pressure from international sports officials to address crime and infrastructure issues ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
Transition to Globalization
The Globalization of Crime
In the past quarter century (namely, since the end of the Cold War), global governance has failed to keep pace with economic globalization. Therefore, as unprecedented openness in trade, finance, travel and communication has created economic growth and well-being, it has also given rise to massive opportunities for criminals to make their business prosper.
Globalization > Social > Violence
Transition to Political Tools
Brazil is one of the pilot countries where UNODC is reviewing its formula of technical assistance delivery within the framework of relevant international conventions on drugs and crime to take into account the increasingly changing needs of the country and the region.
Political tools > Global > UN > Policies > Social > Crime
Transition to Political Actors
UNESCO expects to play a primary role in supporting actions of social inclusion to help in the prevention of violence, especially among young people. The attributes and resources to be found in the heart of the Organization’s different areas will be grouped around this objective.
Actors > Civil Society > NGOs > Human Rights
