Residents of Maré favela reinaugurate memorial to victims of armed violence

Residents of the Conjunto de Favelas da Maré in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reinaugurated a memorial dedicated to victims of armed violence at Praça da Paz.

The project underwent restoration to repair its gardens and tiles while adding new benches and a sunshade. The memorial serves as a space for memory and mourning for the local population, particularly for Black and peripheral residents who have lost loved ones to state and armed violence.

The Redes da Maré organization says the site has helped reduce local conflicts since its first inauguration five years ago. The memorial sits on the border of Nova Holanda and Baixa do Sapateiro, two areas frequently marked by conflict. Artist Laura Taves from Projeto Azulejaria designed the installation, and the families of the victims helped paint the blue and white tiles. The reinauguration took place during a seminar focused on memory, justice, and reparations.

The event brought together researchers, civil society organizations, and families to discuss strategies for securing rights and providing reparations for those affected by violence.