In its response, seen by AFP, Brazil said: “Internal security within the Blue Zone is the responsibility of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), which defines how all areas within it will be protected.”
The response added that federal and Para state authorities had worked together with UNDSS to carry out a reassessment, ultimately deciding to increase the number of security personnel, expand a buffer zone, and physically strengthen the perimeter with more barriers.
“There was no flooding of the event venue, only localised occurrences such as leaks” that were caused by broken gutters, the response continued, adding these had already been repaired.
Additional air conditioning units have also been installed, it said.
The choice of Belem, a mid-sized city on the edge of the Amazon, had been controversial because of insufficient accommodation and fears that the city was unprepared to handle such a large event involving tens of thousands of people.
Lula has, however, defended the choice, saying it was important to bring the world to the Amazon to showcase its struggle and crucial role in combating climate change.
