Brazil's factory slum

Brazil's factory slum

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Children play in a paddling pool at an abandoned factory in Rio de Janeiro.

Almost 2,000 families have made makeshift homes in the old industrial building, where they have been living since March, but have to deal with poor sanitation and the fear of eviction.

. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A woman holds her baby and smokes while doing her laundry in the bathroom at the Nova Tuffy slum.

The occupants of the factory say they are not part of the housing program "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" (My House, My Life), but would like to be, as it would give them greater security and the possibility of improving conditions.

The scheme is one of several government initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and social inequality, which President Dilma Rousseff has held up as achievements of her administration as she campaigns for re-election.

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Slideshow

A woman watches television inside her makeshift home.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A woman watches television inside her makeshift home.

A babysitter stands at the entrance to a home.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A babysitter stands at the entrance to a home.

A woman holds a baby in the former factory.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A woman holds a baby in the former factory.

Lucas and sister Lorena pose for the photograph.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Lucas and sister Lorena pose for the photograph.

Makeshift shacks are seen in the abandoned factory.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Makeshift shacks are seen in the abandoned factory.

A woman pours water on children.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A woman pours water on children.

A boy plays in a paddling pool.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A boy plays in a paddling pool.

A child is fed by his mother.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

A child is fed by his mother.

Two women talk outside their makeshift homes.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Two women talk outside their makeshift homes.

Dozens of homes are crammed into the abandoned factory.
. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Dozens of homes are crammed into the abandoned factory.