Brazil rescues hundreds held in modern-day slave conditions | Inquirer News

Brazil rescues hundreds held in modern-day slave conditions

/ 11:08 AM September 06, 2023

Brazil rescues hundreds held in modern-day slave conditions

Brazil map. INQUIRER FILES

SAO PAULO — Brazilian authorities rescued 532 workers held in modern-day slavery in August, in the country’s largest joint operation of the kind, labor prosecutors announced Tuesday as the government aims to stamp out human trafficking rackets.

In Brazil, slavery is legally defined as forced labor but also covers debt bondage, degrading work conditions, and long hours that pose health risks.

Article continues after this advertisement

In a statement, labor prosecutors said the cumulative rescues happened over just last month, in raids involving over 200 inspections in 22 states plus the capital Brasilia.

FEATURED STORIES

The operation freed 26 children and teenagers, and at least 74 people that had also been victims of human trafficking.

One inspection led to the rescue of 97 workers at a garlic farm in southeastern Minas Gerais state.

Article continues after this advertisement

“At the work site, there were not enough bathrooms, a place to heat food, and chairs for employees to sit on. The workers did not have a formal work permit nor did they receive protective equipment,” according to the statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

The United Nations has concluded that contemporary forms of slavery often involve especially vulnerable populations who toil in the shadows of the law, including those who perform illicit work.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The majority of those who suffer are the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalized social groups in society,” according to a statement on the multinational body’s website.

RELATED STORIES

Article continues after this advertisement

Indigenous groups protest Brazil bill limiting recognition of tribal lands
Indigenous woman wins prize for campaign against mining firms in Amazon
Lula takes over in Brazil, slams Bolsonaro’s anti-democratic threats

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Brazil, human trafficking, Slavery

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.