Organizations launch campaign against human trafficking during Rio Games

The 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, set to kick off in August, has increased people's and civil society organizations' concerns about human trafficking. In an attempt to prevent that crime during the games, organizations launched today (May 31) a campaign titled Jogue a Favor da Vida (Portuguese for “play on the side of life”) at the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

In addition to the human trafficking, the initiative is aimed at raising awareness about related crimes, like slave labor, sexual exploitation, and trade in human organs.

Rio de Janeiro Superintendent for Human Rights Promotion Miguel Mesquita attended the launch and stated that representatives from a number of agencies will be on the watch for violations at venues during the games. The government is expected to further invest in advertising campaigns at the Galeão International Airport. Late in July, the state government should also hold the national week against human trafficking, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The population should be warned, Mesquita argues. “Human trafficking is a concealed crime. People are not aware of its existence; they don't know it happens. It's all very mysterious. Those involved are very well articulated, and supported by individuals from higher classes,” said Mesquita, who added that people should report cases or seek help when they are offered jobs, trips or the possibility to get married overseas that sound just too good to be true.

Peruvian Sara landed in Rio de Janeiro after she was promised a job at a restaurant in Copacabana. In Brazil, she was locked in a kitchen under slavery-like conditions. When she seized a chance to escape, she was sheltered by the Pastoral do Imigrante, a Catholic institution. “I was kept imprisoned for a month. I thought my life was over,” she said.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira