CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Fighting modern-day slavery

Father Henri de Roziers (left) has been working in Brazil for 20 years defending the rights of the landless as part of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), a CAFOD partner
Father Henri de Roziers (left) has been working in Brazil for 30 years defending the rights of the landless as part of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), a CAFOD partner

To highlight our work on human rights, we showcase the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) - a CAFOD partner helping the poor in Brazil stand up for their rights against some of the powerful landowners

The fight for land is a life and death struggle in many parts of Brazil. Without it people often end up working for some large landowners with a status similar to that of slaves.

CPT provides help and legal support for people who have been threatened and intimidated. Supported by CAFOD, it is an organisation standing shoulder to shoulder with the poor and oppressed.


Watch videos of CPT at work

Brazil today has an estimated 25,000 slaves, and Para state has the worst record. Many workers and those who defend them suffer intimidation and violence - Father Henri claims 820 have been murdered yet few are convicted and, currently, none are in prison
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The Joao Canuto encampment offers a safe haven for poor families who might otherwise be forced to work in slave-like conditions on farms in the Brazilian state of Para

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Aleque Alvis dos Santos

Land and freedom

Slavery was abolished in Brazil 120 years ago and yet there are still 25,000 people living in slave-like conditions there today. Aleque was lucky enough to escape

Father Henri de Roziers (left) has been working in Brazil for 20 years defending the rights of the landless as part of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), a CAFOD partner

CPT: Defending human rights

In a country where 25,000 people are still living in conditions comparable to slavery Father Henri de Roziers works tirelessly to defend human rights and put a stop to this modern day aberration.

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Peru: Speak up for indigenous rights

At least 33 people died when police broke up a peaceful protest by indigenous groups against a government plan to implement Peru's Free Trade Agreement with the US. Email the Peruvian government now, telling it to protect indigenous rights

Published on 10/12/2008, last updated on 26/03/2010
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CAFOD is also working on human rights issues with many more partners across the world - please help support this work