Brazil

Brazil has become a major economic and political player on a global scale. With its rising prominence, Brazil has attempted new approaches to long-standing problems felt across Latin America, such as citizen security and sustainable rural development. WOLA is bringing together Brazilian experts, activists, and government officials with others in the region to share ideas, experiences, and practical solutions.

At the same time, Brazil is beginning to examine the legacy of human rights abuses committed during its military regime (1964-1985). WOLA is working to ensure that Brazil draws upon the lessons learned by other countries in Latin America who have had to face their dark pasts in order to build more democratic societies.

Featured Content

Brazil’s Lessons in Rural Development

Family Agriculture, Access to Water, and Civic Engagement
21 Feb 2013
Publication
WOLA is pleased to announce the publication of the new report, “Brazil’s Lessons in Rural Development: Family Agriculture, Access to Water, and Civic Engagement,” which highlights two Brazilian policies that support small farmers.

Public Health Approach Takes Back Seat to Law Enforcement as Brazil Cracks Down on Drug Use

21 Feb 2013
Analysis & Commentary
Despite some promises for change, law enforcement responses, rather than a public health approach, have come to define Brazil's drug policies.

Recent Corruption and Human Rights Trials in Brazil Could Signal Shift toward Justice

26 Oct 2012
Analysis & Commentary
There have recently been a number of high-profile criminal cases in Brazil that have caused some to proclaim that a culture of impunity is finally giving way to a culture of accountability where criminals face justice.

Tackling Urban Violence in Latin America: Reversing Exclusion through Smart Policing and Social Investment

Featuring strategies in Rio de Janeiro, Medellin, Ciudad Juarez, and Santa Tecla
13 Jun 2011
Publication
This report features attempts to improve citizen security by combining law enforcement and social investment in marginalized communities most affected by crime.
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Brazil News & Analysis

The United States Should Declassify Documents Relevent to the Work of the Brazilian Truth Commission

7 Dec 2012
Publication
Like other Latin American Truth Commissions, Brazil’s has officially requested assistance from the United States in the form of a review and declassification of still classified U.S. documentation related to the human rights cases and military agencies that the Commission is investigating.

Brazilian Citizen Security Policies: Variety of Experiences Useful in Regional Debates

22 Aug 2012
Analysis & Commentary
Brazil, like many countries in Latin America, has struggled over the last 20 years with how to effectively address high levels of crime and violence.

Brazil security and human rights update

WOLA's Joseph Bateman on Brazil's evolving public security situation, human rights, and Brasília's foreign policy
1 Aug 2012
Publication
Adam talks to Joseph Bateman, WOLA's Program Officer for Brazil, about what he's learned on 3 recent visits. Topics include citizen security and policing, human rights and the new Truth Commission, and Brazil's foreign policy and relations with Washington.

Truth Commission in Brazil is Part of Reconciliation Process

16 May 2012
Analysis & Commentary
Although the Truth Commission does not include provisions for prosecutions, there are some that hope, and others that fear, that the information revealed by the two-year investigation will create the momentum necessary to overturn the Amnesty Law.
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Stay Informed

Experts

Joseph Bateman

Program Officer

Elizabeth Leeds

Senior Fellow