The impact of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the visitor economy: a human rights perspective.

Abstract

The overall findings of this research point to a mix of positive and negative human rights impacts of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and on the visitor economy of the host city. On a positive note, affirmative action included persons with disabilities and from underprivileged communities in the workforce. New sports and leisure centres were built. Freedom of expression and association was reinforced by protesters demonstrating and using the platform of the event to raise issues. Several initiatives by the Organizing Committee, government, companies, and associations constituted positive mechanisms for leverage of the human rights to education and to participate in the cultural life of the community, albeit with limited long-term impacts. These wider economic and social successes associated with the hosting of the Games can positively contribute to the quality and inclusivity of the visitor economy. redevelopment, the Games' land use displaced thousands of people, violating the right to housing and several other human rights through abusive practices used by the government in the eviction process. Under the pretext of creating safe spaces for visitors and safeguarding their image of the city, the government's violence towards poor and black communities was aggravated, with the militarisation of the city impacting on the right to life, protection, education, and justice. Attempting to mask the city's socio-economic problems and undesirable aspects for sponsors and visitors, freedom of expression was undermined as protesters were targeted by the police and street vendors were driven out of public spaces.