June 2003
The violence spilling out of Brazil's slums
or 'favelas' has made the country's two major
cities more dangerous than most war zones.
Children in Rio de Janeiro are eight times
more likely to die violently than those in
the West Bank. "They live on a kill or be
killed basis," states anthropologist Luke
Dowdney, who has spent five years studying
the favelas. "If they don't kill someone when
they're told to, they will be killed." Tags :violenceBrazilslumfavelaRiodeJaneiroJourneymanPictures
May 2004
Brazil has become the new paedophile capital
of the world. The country's own politicians
have been caught colluding in the sex
industry.
"Once I have found someone who helps me and
likes me I will leave this life for good,"
says 12 year old Maiana. Already a veteran of
the sex industry, she dreams of being whisked
away by one of her foreign clients. But the
sex industry is not fuelled by foreign
tourists alone. Recent investigations show
that sex rings are being run by men at the
highest level in society. "There have been
cases involving town councillors and mayors,"
states Waldermar Olivera from the children's
charity CEDECA. "In one case the president of
the council was abusing a three year old."
Children are being sold to brothels abroad
for as little as 15 cents. With corruption
rife at every level, campaigners are having a
tough time cracking down on abusers. Tags :SexualSlaveryabusejourneymanpicturesprostitutionbrothelsbrazilJourneymanPictures