Vila Autodromo is just one of many communities affected by forced evictions, police violence and human rights violations. And all in the name of major sporting events. One of those affected who is fighting back is Maria da Penha. She is just one of the few whose resistance has been successful. The road was long and the price was high.
Maria da Penha is 51 years old, a mother of two and has lived in Vila Autodromo (Rio de Janeiro) for 22 years. The residents of the Vila Autodromo district in Rio are among the many who have to bear the brunt of major sporting events. At the end of June 2016, she was invited by the UN and the IOC to report on the situation in Rio’s favelas and her story in particular. We spoke to her when she was a guest in Geneva.
terre des hommes schweizWhen did the evictions begin in the municipality of Vila Autodromo?
Maria da Penha: There have been forced evictions since the early 1990s. People were already resisting them back then. The situation became increasingly worse after the 2007 Pan American Games.
What are the reasons for these forced evictions?
Over the years, various reasons have been given for this. For example, for environmental reasons. But what is clear to us in the community is that they no longer want our community there because the area has increased in value. This arouses interest in profit. The good location and the beautiful lagoon contribute to this.
How many people are affected in Vila Autodromo?
At the beginning, there were around 600 families or around 3,000 people living there. Since the major wave of evictions in March 2014, only 20 families remain.
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 people’s rights. 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. As a result, I decided to occupy the church and stayed there for a while. I later found another place to stay.
Was the destruction of your house legal?
We received a court order in advance.
Then why do you have the right to stay in Vila Autodromo?
We sought the support of the public legal advice service. They challenged the court’s decision to demolish our house. 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 is to be built for her family. When will it be ready?
The deadline has been set for July 22, 2016. If the authorities want to achieve this, then it will work. [The authorities did not meet the deadline, but kept their promise. the ed.]
After most of them have left and the settlement has been destroyed. What is left of what is worth fighting for?
The community will no longer be the same, but I’m sure I can still be happy there. My neighbors have decided to leave and I, or rather my family, have decided to fight for our rights. We are rooted there and don’t want to leave our home. Many of those who left regret it today. And it is not possible to return.
Expensive houses and apartments are to be built in the neighborhood. What will the community be like then? Will they still be able to afford to live in this environment?
Living in the area has already become much more expensive anyway. In future, however, it will be a question of the existing residents and the newcomers coming together. They will have to get used to us. And ultimately, the sun shines for all of us. We are all only human.
Their fight has been going on for a very long time. Where do you get the strength and motivation to carry on?
I draw my strength from God. It is only thanks to His goodness that we can overcome the many obstacles. When we are overcome by fear, we push it aside. We ignore it. Fear harms everyone and it is the weapon of the weak.
What specifically scares you?
The local authorities exerted a lot of psychological pressure for two and a half years. As we watched the neighbors leave, we were always worried about what was going to happen. In situations like that, you have to find the strength within yourself.
How was psychological pressure exerted on them?
The employees of the local authorities came to us and told us: “If you refuse, you won’t get anything in the end. It would be better if you leave now and then you’ll get something in return. If you go to court, you will go away empty-handed.” In addition, shopping opportunities were increasingly restricted. It became increasingly difficult to buy food. They also left the remains of the destroyed houses as reminders. Last but not least, the lights and water were repeatedly turned off. It was very depressing to live in such a field of rubble. Vila Autodromo was originally a very green area and now all the trees have been cut down.
You have now won. Nevertheless, you are still very active. Why is that?
I am fighting to ensure that these events are not repeated in other countries. To ensure that citizens in other countries are not equally affected by major sporting events 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 how our community has been destroyed and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
What does it mean to you to be here in Geneva and to speak to the UN and the IOC?
I hope it will be good and I will be able to pass on my experiences and those of our community. I want to give other families a voice. Telling my story should open doors.
What does support from organizations like terre des hommes mean to you?
That is very good. It’s a sign that there are still good people who care about other people. For me, this 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 publicize our reasons and our insistence on the right to housing. Visibility is very important because it improves our situation in this struggle and expands it. The Brazilian government does not like 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?
There will be a lot of visibility for our situation during the games. We will also be subject to unpleasant security measures. 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.
