Voices of Dissent

In the last decade, vast numbers of people have taken to the streets in acts of dissent as they become more marginalised and oppressed by the global socio-economic and political framework. From Boston to Brixton to Blikkiesdorp to Buenaventura, disillusioned people have voiced their anger over police brutality and state sanctioned violence against the poor; against minority and indigenous groups as they are forced from their homes and off their land. People are angry at the violence of austerity measures that are stripping them off their rights to education, health care and basic services. There are vast numbers of people living in shacks, who are homeless, who are hungry and without food. People are angry.

This booklet explores the violence of neoliberalism and its infringements on human rights. It uses case studies which are drawn from the experiences of grassroots communities in South Africa, the UK, Mexico and Colombia to highlight the violence against the right to housing, shelter, land, resources and protest - a violence that is aimed particularly at the poor; at women and at Black people.