Four years ago police in Rio de Janiero brought into service a military-style vehicle, colloquially known as the caveirão. Trapped between the police and the drug gangs, Rio’s most deprived communities are now paying the price. For Amnesty International, the caveirão stands as powerful symbol of the failings of public security policy. Security for all will never be achieved through violence and intimidation. An inclusive public security policy based on respect for human rights must be introduced without delay. The report includes a summary of Amnesty International’s main concerns and its recommendations.
