The collaboration aims to strengthen organizations for community engagement and protection, as well as support survivors and vulnerable workers in forced labor conditions in the cattle ranching sector in the state of Pará.
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) has signed cooperation agreements with the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), the Society for the Defense of Sexual Rights in the Amazon (SODIREITOS), and the Union of Rural Workers of São Félix do Xingu (STTR). These four organizations were selected through PADF’s call for proposal from civil society organizations for community engagement and protection, as well as support to survivors and vulnerable workers in forced labor conditions in the cattle ranching sector in the state of Pará.
“An important step has been taken toward implementing the Fair Work Program with the signing of agreements with civil society and UFPA, as it will not only strengthen the response to forced labor conditions in the cattle ranching sector, but also promote the sustainability of the program’s actions in the state of Pará,” says Irina Bacci, director of the Fair Work Program.
According to Professor Valena Jacob, director-general of the Institute of Legal Sciences (ICJ) at UFPA, the Legal Assistance Clinic provides training opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate law students, as well as individuals involved in combating slavery and partner institutions like CPT, SODIREITOS, and the Union of Rural Workers of São Félix do Xingu. “The Clinic will enable workers who are subjected to conditions of contemporary slavery to receive appropriate legal assistance, 100% free of charge, and have their labor rights recognized, contributing in some way to the eradication of slave labor in our state,” she adds.
SODIREITOS, on the other hand, seeks to promote engagement and training for leaders and support networks, strengthening the prevention of forced labor conditions and the protection of survivors and vulnerable workers in the cattle ranching sector in the state of Pará.
“This is a very important partnership because it aims to address a very complex and delicate issue, while also bringing the contribution of two organizations committed to social transformation,” says Angélica Gonçalves, treasurer of SODIREITOS.
According to Rogério Crunivel, coordinator of the São Félix do Xingu Project, the project is rooted in a commitment to human rights and sustainable development. “This project represents a joint effort to eradicate unfair practices and promote dignified work while driving economic and social growth. The community comes together to create an environment of opportunities and justice, seeking an inclusive future where conditions analogous to slavery are a thing of the past. Together, we are building an inspiring example of transformation for other regions,” he says.
With years of experience in combating forced labor conditions, CPT joins forces with PADF to continue strengthening initiatives for the prevention of slave labor in the cattle ranching sector, involving communities in this important effort. “This initiative supported by PADF, along with CPT, will continue to strengthen our prevention, mobilization, and advocacy actions against slave labor,” emphasizes Francisco Alan, a CPT member.
About PADF
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunities, for all. We work throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger, healthier, more peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations.
For 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities by investing resources across the hemisphere. We work in partnership with civil society, governments, and the private sector for the good of the region.
PADF is a non-profit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962.
Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
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