Tackling violence in schools: the role of UNESCO/Brazil

Abstract

Violence is still an alarming issue in Brazil, a country profoundly affected by social inequality. Since 1997, studies from UNESCO in Brazil have highlighted this worrying situation for youngsters from 15 to 24 years old, who are the portion of the population most exposed to violence, whether as victims, or agents. In terms of deaths that are caused by the so-called external factors (i.e. homicides, traffic accidents and suicides), the quantitative data corresponding to the youth age groups are so high that they place Brazilian indices as the third highest in the world. In the light of the above, this paper provides a brief overview of the literature on the issue of violence in schools. In addition to that, the paper from the Director of the UNESCO Brasilia Office also analyses the series of studies and researches that UNESCO has been undertaking over the past years, an effort which would culminate into one of its most successful strategies to foster social inclusion through a community perspective, the "Making Room" program. PresentationIn today's world the boundaries between the local and the global are becoming less and less precise. This phenomenon is especially true in regions and countries where there are increasing socio-economic inequalities as well as increasingly numerous acts of violence. These acts of violence have been progressively spreading and occupying spaces that had previously been protected. This is why there are numerous governments that recognize violence as an existing fact, as a part of our daily lives. This fact is powerfully woven into the fabric of social relationships.Conscious of the gravity of this situation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has taken on the challenge of contributing to reversing this situation and encouraging the development of a "culture of peace". This effort is being made through the consolidation of democratic values and the intransigent defense of human rights. This challenge also includes defending fairer life conditions for all.Over the past few decades, Brazil has served as an example of this phenomenon of profound inequalities and social exclusion. Numerous studies have identified this situation in Brazil, where violent acts are demonstrated in alarming numbers. Brazilian youths, particularly those from 15 to 24 years old, are the portion of the population most exposed to violence, whether as victims, or agents. In terms of deaths that are caused by what are called external factors (homicides, traffic accidents and suicides), the quantitative data corresponding to the youth age groups are so high that they place Brazilian indices as the third highest in the world.

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