UN Condemns Deadly Police Raids in Rio de Janeiro Favelas: 64 Lives Lost in Anti-Drug Operations

Police operations are commonplace in Rio, Brazil's primary tourist destination.

The United Nations human rights office expressed horror on Tuesday regarding police raids targeting drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro that resulted in at least 64 fatalities, calling for prompt investigations.

Approximately 2,500 heavily armed officers participated in the operation against Brazil's primary drug-trafficking organization in two impoverished northern neighborhoods of the city.

"We are horrified by the ongoing police operation in favelas in Rio de Janeiro, reportedly already resulting in deaths of over 60 people, including four police officers," stated the United Nations rights office on X.

"This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazil's marginalized communities.

"We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations."

Major police operations occur frequently in Rio, Brazil's premier tourist destination, particularly in the favelas, which are impoverished and densely populated neighborhoods often controlled by criminal organizations.