Combating Slave Labor

In high-unemployment areas where people are most vulnerable to the promise of jobs, the "Slavery, no way!" campaign raises public awareness about the danger of falling into the hands of unscrupulous recruiters. It also warns consumers about slave labor in manufacturing. Our partner, Repórter Brasil, uses journalism, education and communication to encourage civic and government action to eradicate slave labor. It also publicizes the Brazilian government's "dirty list" of companies that use slave labor in their production or supply chains. Advocacy and watchdog work on slave labor has convinced Brazil's national banks and some private banks to deny loans to those on the list.

The Brazilian Conference of Bishops' Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) warns potential victims of the danger of becoming enslaved by people promising jobs in remote areas and helps rescue victims by alerting the government's mobile labor inspection team. We are helping the CPT strengthen its national network and expand into new communities, especially in remote regions, where workers are exploited.

"Hear the Cry of My People: A Pastoral Effort Against Slave Labor," a campaign organized by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, raises awareness among congregations and communities throughout the country and encourages Brazilians to take action against this serious human rights violation.

The Center for Defense of Life and Human Rights in Açailândia, in northern Brazil, is mapping slave labor in the state of Maranhão by reviewing cases that have been prosecuted and determining why perpetrators were not sentenced. In-depth study of emblematic cases will help prosecutors develop more effective methods for handling slave labor cases and give activists more detailed information as they advocate for stronger government action.