Homicide rates and human rights violations in São Paulo, Brazil: 1990 to 2002

This article focuses on the relation between the growing homicide rates in São Paulo, Brazil, and the realization of human rights, in particular to social and economic rights. The context in which homicides take place are examined in terms of residents’ access to rights. Data from the 2000 census, complemented by data available from other official sources, provide profiles of situations in which homicide rates continue to grow. Results indicate that higher homicide rates are related to high concentrations of youth, fewer numbers of older persons, increased levels of poorly educated heads of household, crowded residences, and poor access to health (indicated by lack of hospitals, higher infant mortality rates, and poor sanitation), and few residents with higher levels of income and education.