Scots pop star Ricky Ross has joined forces with activists to highlight the plight of Brazilians made homeless by the construction of World Cup stadia.
The 2014 World Cup kicks off in just over a month but has been thrown into chaos by violent protests in the country and anger for families who have been forcibly evicted for the tournament.
Locals are furious the competition is costing so much public money. Thousands have been moved out of slum housing known as flavelas to make way for stadia in some of Brazil’s gargantuan cities.
The newly homeless have even set up camp in Brazilian factories and industrial estates in the hope of embarrassing the government which is being watched by the world into taking action.
The devastated families are being advised by Christian Aid and human rights organisations like Sao Paolo’s Gasper Garcia championed by Deacon Blue front man Ricky Ross.
Singer Ross, who saw the destruction of housing stock on a trip to Brazil with Christian Aid last year, said: “Without outside support, there is no way these people could stand up for their housing rights they have no access to legal advice, and speaking out comes with the risk of immediate eviction and homelessness.
“Gaspar Garcia works to redress the balance, helping them know their rights, and making it possible for them to have a voice.”
Mara Luz, who heads up Christian Aid in Latin America and the Caribbean and who last week visited Scotland to highlight the situation, said: “It is great the World Cup is coming to Brazil. But it has been devastating for many.
“Brazil as a country is getting richer but the poor are getting poorer. Poor families have lost out on this.
“There are traditional jobs on the Brazilian streets like food vendors, which entails selling authentic Brazillian food from makeshift stalls.
“But all these people are being moved off the streets because sponsors like McDonalds have paid big money to have exclusive rights to sell their products there.
“People are being stopped from making money and, unlike in the UK, there is no welfare safety net to catch them.
“I fear those travelling to support their country in the World Cup will not get a chance to see the real Brazil.
“Instead it will be a bland corporate version of the country.
“Worse, thousands of families have been dispersed from their housing to make way for stadiums.
“They will be homeless long after the tournament ends.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe