About this Video

• Video Title: Lei Áurea e trabalho escravo contemporâneo: boas práticas e desafios para um trabalho digno no BR
• Channel: Brazil Forum UK
• Speakers: Maurício Fagundes, Zé Pereira, Paraná, Márcia Lima, Leonardo Sakamoto, Gildásio Meireles, Carmen Bascaran, Lívia Miralha, Luimar Prata dos Santos, Zilda Yokoi, Stepan, Natasha, Luciano Barros, Alessandra (likely), others whose names are not explicitly mentioned.
• Duration: 01:24:35

Introduction

This video is a panel discussion at the Brazil Forum UK focusing on contemporary slavery in Brazil, even after the abolishment of slavery with the "Lei Áurea". The panelists, including government officials, activists, and academics, discuss the persistence of modern slavery, its characteristics, the challenges in combating it, and potential solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Contemporary Slavery Persists: Despite the Lei Áurea (Golden Law) of 1888, modern slavery continues in Brazil, affecting predominantly Black men, particularly in rural areas but also in urban settings and even homes.
• Characteristics of Modern Slavery: The discussion highlights the four legal categories of contemporary slavery in Brazil: forced labor, excessive working hours, degrading conditions, and debt bondage. The prevalence of degrading work conditions is emphasized, particularly in rural areas.
• Responsibility of Companies: The panel emphasizes the role of companies in perpetuating modern slavery through global supply chains. Major Brazilian and international companies are implicated in sourcing goods produced through slave labor. The call for greater corporate accountability and due diligence is highlighted.
• Challenges in Combating Slavery: The discussion addresses systemic challenges, including political interference, insufficient resources and personnel for enforcement, the slow pace of legal processes, and high rates of impunity. The difficulties in prosecuting and convicting those involved in modern slavery are emphasized.
• Multifaceted Approach Needed: The panel stresses the need for a comprehensive approach combining legal reform, increased government resources, corporate accountability, and social awareness campaigns to effectively combat modern slavery in Brazil. The importance of providing support and training to victims is also highlighted.