Resource information
For many years, Rio de Janeiro has held
the dubious distinction of being one of the world s most
beautiful cities, and at the same time, one of the most
dangerous. This report is the story of Rio s attempt to
break with history and establish a new kind of state
presence in its favelas. This report documents how life in
the favelas is changing as a result of the Police
Pacification Unit (UPP) pacification effort, as seen through
the eyes of favela residents themselves. This study used a
qualitative, case-study approach and consisted of
observations, focus groups, and key informant interviews in
four favelas. The study fits into the broader territorial
approach to urban and social development that the World Bank
has been supporting in both the state and city of Rio de
Janeiro, and for which the historical alliance between
federal, state and municipal governments in Rio has been
crucial. These projects have focused on strengthening
planning and management of urban growth in the metropolitan
region, promoting the provision of affordable housing with
access to infrastructure and service, and supporting the
implementation of a targeted, comprehensive social
development program for the urban poor. Under the social
development agenda, the Bank has been providing support to
Social UPP since its design stage, in 2010, through
technical assistance services to strengthen social
governance and territorially-based monitoring and evaluation.
