60 Seconds on Earth: What slums, gangs and fried chicken have in common
Santa Marta, one of Rio’s oldest slums or favela.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Rio's Santa Marta favela became the first slum in the city to be “pacified” by police in 2008.
Law enforcement wrested control of the hillside from drug dealers and installed permanent community officers as part of a program city officials say is making Rio safer in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
The controversial program was recently criticized by Pope Francis, but Santa Marta has become a poster child for what it aims to achieve.
Residents say life has improved in the neighborhood, which overlooks many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
And the favela is now a tourist destination. Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms visited together earlier this year.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.