Brazil children disarmament campaign

The worst school shooting in Brazilian history that claimed the lives of 12 middle school children in Rio de Janeiro has shaken all Brazilians. It has also opened up a discussion about disarmament in Brazil.

More that 110 public and private schools in the city of Sao Paulo participated in a Children Disarmament Campaign in mid April, 2011. Children exchanged toy guns and violent video games for other non violent toys in an effort to educate children about the danger of weapons and to inform adults about the upcoming disarmament campaign organized by the Brazilian Government. Over 5,000 toy guns and video games were exchanged.

The campaign is focused in the M'boi Mirim area of Sao Paulo, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the city and was once considered one of the most violent regions in the world.

This is all part of an effort to revaluate arms control in Brazil. Already the Brazilian Congress is discussing a possible referendum on banning the sell firearms in the country. A similar referendum was held in 2005 but Brazilians voted to continue allowing firearms sells.

I produced, shot and edited this piece for Al Jazeera English. It aired in April 2011.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Maria Elena Romero
• Gun control Brazil
• Children disarmament Sao Paulo