Vila Autodromo is just one of many communities affected by evictions, police violence and human rights violations. And this in the name of major sporting events. One of the people affected who are fighting against this is Maria da Penha. She is only one of the few whose resistance has also been successful. The road was long and the price was high.
Maria da Penha is 51 years old, mother of two children and has lived in Vila Autodromo (Rio de Janeiro) for 22 years. The inhabitants of the district of Vila Autodromo in Rio are among the many who have to take the brunt of the major sporting events. At the end of June 2016 they were invited by the UN and the IOC to report on the situation in the favelas of Rio and especially on their history. When she was a guest in Geneva, we spoke to her.
terre des hommes schweiz: When did the forced evictions in the municipality of Vila Autodromo begin?
Maria da Penha: Forced evictions have existed since the beginning of the 1990s. Even then, people were already resisting. The situation became increasingly acute after the 2007 Pan-American Games.
What are the reasons for these evictions?
Over the years, various reasons have been given for this. For example, for reasons of environmental protection. But what is clear to us in the community is that they no longer want our community there because the area has gained in value. This arouses the interest in profit. The good location and the beautiful lagoon contribute to this.
How many people in Vila Autodromo are affected?
In the beginning there lived about 600 families or about 3000 persons. Since the big evacuation wave in March 2014, only 20 families are left.
Why did you stay?
Because I am very happy there and I am very aware of my rights. I believe that governments are there to protect the rights of the people. That's why I decided to fight for my rights.
Her house was not spared by the bulldozers either.
Yes, it was destroyed on March 8, 2016. Subsequently I decided to occupy the church and stayed there for some time. Later I found another accommodation.
Was the destruction of your house legal?
We received a court order in advance.
Then what gives you the right to stay in Vila Autodromo?
We sought the support of the public legal advice service. They challenged the court's decision to destroy our home. The area of Villa Autodromo was then declared an "area of special social rights". This precautionary law ensures that this public land is used for social housing.
The media reported that a new house was to be built for her family. When will it be finished?
The deadline has been set for 22 July 2016. If the authorities want to make this work, it will work. [The authorities didn't meet the deadline, but kept their promise. The Red.]
After most of them left and the settlement was destroyed. What's left of what's worth fighting for?
The church will not be the same anymore, but I am sure that I can still be happy there. My neighbours have decided to leave and I or my family have decided to fight for our right. We are rooted there and we do not want to leave our home. Many of those who left regret it today. And a return is not possible.
Expensive houses and apartments are to be built in the neighbourhood. What will the community be like then? Will they still be able to afford to live in this environment?
Life in the area has become much more expensive anyway. In the future, however, it will be a matter of bringing together the existing residents and the newcomers. They will have to get used to us. And finally the sun is shining for all of us. We are all only human.
Their struggle has gone on for a long time. Where do they get the strength and motivation to continue?
I draw my strength from God. Only thanks to his goodness can we overcome the many obstacles. When fear takes hold of us, we push it aside. We ignore it. Fear hurts everyone and is the weapon of the weak.
What exactly is it that frightens you?
The local authorities exerted a lot of psychological pressure for two and a half years. As we watched the neighbours leave, we were always worried about what would happen. In situations like that, you have to find strength within yourself.
How was psychological pressure put on them?
The employees of the local authorities came to us and told us: "If you refuse, you will get nothing at the end. It would be better if you leave now and then you will get something in return. If you go to court, you'll get nothing." In addition, the shopping facilities were increasingly limited. So it became more and more difficult to buy groceries. They also left the remains of the destroyed houses as souvenirs. Last but not least, the lights and water were turned off again and again. It was very depressing to live in such a debris field. Vila Autodromo was originally a very green area and now all trees have been cut down.
You have now won. Yet you are still very active. How so?
I am fighting to ensure that these events are not repeated in other countries. I am fighting to ensure that citizens in other countries are not affected by major sporting events in the same way and that their right to housing is respected. The Olympic Games are for everyone and not just for those who violate the rights of others. It is very sad to see our community destroyed and I do not want this to happen to anyone else.
What does it mean for you to be here in Geneva and to speak here to the UN and the IOC?
I hope it will be good and I will be able to pass on my experience and that of our community. I want to give other families a voice. Telling my story should open doors.
What does support from organisations like terre des hommes mean to you?
That's very good. It's a sign that there are still good people who care about other people. For me it is a sign of love and people who help us are angels sent by Jesus.
What can people in Switzerland do to help you? Is it enough to show solidarity?
It is important to make public our reasons and our insistence on the right to housing. Visibility is very important because it improves our situation in this struggle and extends it. The Brazilian government is reluctant to be criticized by other governments and this increases the pressure. And this will continue in the future, because the Olympic Games will pass, but the situation will not change.
What will happen after the Olympic Games?
During the games there will be a lot of visibility for our situation. We will also be subject to the unpleasant security precautions. We are afraid that after the games our situation will be forgotten and the pressure on us to leave the Vila Autodromo will increase again.
