Brazil: Fighting modern-day slavery
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.
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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 |
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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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 |
 | 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 |
