· May, 2012

Stories about Brazil from May, 2012

Brazil: Questions Surrounding Rio's ‘Pacifying Police’ Units

  30 May 2012

The state government of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, has adopted a security policy based on the installation of Pacifying Police Units who tackle crime in favelas (shanty towns) but also promote social policies. But there are questions about the motivations behind this strategy and whether the voices of residents are being heard.

Brazil: SlutWalks Spread Across the Country

  29 May 2012

On May 26th and 27th, a number of cities around Brazil were the scene of the second round of protests known as SlutWalks, calling for women's liberty and the right of women to dress as they want without being the victims of violence or moralism. Global Voices has selected a series of photos of protests around the country.

Brazil: Sex Abuse Revealed by Children's TV Presenter Provokes Debate

  28 May 2012

Xuxa Meneghel, the most famous children's TV presenter in Brazil, revealed on national television that she was the victim of sexual abuse during childhood. Her declaration divided opinions on the Internet and opened up a debate on a subject that is still considered taboo in the country: sexual abuse against children and adolescents. Paula Góes reports on the first week of the debate.

Brazil: Famous Singer Pays Homage to Her Iconic Mother

  21 May 2012

The singer Maria Rita toured Brazil with a series of free concerts in homage to her late mother Elis Regina, one of the most iconic performers of Brazilian music. The subject became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, as fans of both singers flooded social media with their impressions of the shows.

Brazil: ‘Hands That Cure, Words That Heal’

  15 May 2012

With their herbs, gestures, prayers and comforting words, folk healing is an important element of Brazilian culture. Although some people believe that traditional healing art is disappearing, folk healers from two Brazilian cities have just had their activities recognised by pioneering laws.

Bolivia: Development at What Cost? New Conflict Over TIPNIS Road

  10 May 2012

A proposed road project in Bolivia that plans to cross right through the middle of the Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro Sécure (TIPNIS for its initials in Spanish) is once again generating conflict. Indigenous organisations insist on their right to be consulted about policies concerning their territories.

Brazil: Blog Countersues Newspaper Over Web Domain

  7 May 2012

Another chapter in the legal dispute between the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo and the satirical blog Falha of São Paulo is being written. However, this time, Falha is the one who decided to file a lawsuit against the newspaper.

Brazil Approves Racial Quotas in Higher Education

  5 May 2012

The Supreme Court of Brazil has unanimously approved the adoption of racial quota policies in higher education institutions across the country. The approval of the policy brings up again the controversial debate on racial discrimination and racial inequality in the country.

About our Brazil coverage

Fernanda Canofre
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.