Brazil is a country of contradiction. As one of the BRIC nations it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yet suffers from incomparable amounts of poverty, crime, and corruption. Earlier in 2013, the 20 centavo (6 pence) rise of transport fares led to mass strikes and riots. What started as an isolated outcry developed to become a country-wide explosion of dissatisfaction and anger, underlying citizen’s issues with poor healthcare, education, and policing.
The rest of the world reacted in horror as pictures and videos were released of Brazilian citizens being pelted by police officer’s rubber bullets, sprayed incessantly with tear gas, and in some horrifying instances, stun grenades were used against rioters expressing their fundamental freedom to protest against inequality.
Having the World Cup in a country where it is common for military tanks to be deployed in the streets is problematic and ultimately raises many humanitarian concerns.

As the World Cup is now officially underway, the average Brazilian qualms against their country have not been quieted. Riots are still very active as Brazilians desperately fight against FIFA’s temporary invasion of their homeland. In past World Cups the streets were lined with customized art and Brazilian flags adorning almost every street corner, but this time around there is a palpable feeling of somberness throughout many communities. As you watch the game it’s easy to allow yourself to be ignorant to the ethical abominations that are happening streets away from the newly erected massive mecca-esque stadiums. These stadiums came at the cost of thousands of displaced families with favelas being destroyed in order for these structures to arise.

Brazil has a responsibility to ensure a safe and pleasant month for the visitors to enjoy the World Cup, but it’s questionable whether or not that should come before Brazil’s permanent residents.
UN Special Rapporteur for Adequate Housing and professor at University of Sao Paulo Raquel Rolnik has stated that “It’s very clear that the human rights legacy was not a real concern” in regards to constructing the parameters of the World Cup. In order for the public to both enjoy the festivity and true fun that is the World Cup and respect the strife that Brazilian’s are facing in light of this event it’s important for the athletes to take an active role in promoting humanitarian concerns.

In order for Brazil to protect human rights during this month of exaltation it is vital that they maintain international transparency on the issues that they are fighting for. The world wants to stand with Brazil on issues that are deeper than football and booze. Long-term peacebuilding can only be reached with international political engagement that is rooted in public to politician conversation, honesty in the media, and an importance put on the citizen’s right to free expression.