‘Defavelization’ of Favela do Lixão Highlights Threats of Real Estate Speculation in the Baixada Fluminense

Left to right, residents and activists Glaucia Quirino and Rose Silva from Favela do Lixão, and Veinha, resident of Beira-Beira. Photo: Fabio Leon

Residents of Favela do Lixão in downtown Duque de Caxias, in Greater Rio de Janeiro’s Baixada Fluminense region, have reported violations committed by City Hall during eviction processes that have grown in severity since 2020. In late 2021, some 60 families were caught off guard when the upgrading of three Favela do Lixão communities was announced under the policy of “defavelization” by City Hall, supposedly requiring their eviction from the area. The Vila Ideal, Parque Vila Nova, and Beira-Beira communities have existed for over 40 years and suffer government neglect and the structural lack of housing policies supporting Caxias’ economically vulnerable.

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This article is part of a series created in partnership with the Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies at San Diego State University, to produce articles for the Digital Brazil Project on water issues and the LGBTQIAP+ population in Rio’s favelas and in the Baixada Fluminense for RioOnWatch.