Plan strengthens network against human trafficking

On Tuesday (February 26), the Brazilian government launched the Second Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The plan aims to provide for strengthening of the network against this crime by 2014, with the goal of creating another 10 new centers or facilities to provide assistance. To achieve this, R$ 5.9 million is to be invested which will include training for 400 officers and international legal cooperation. Since 2008, R$ 5.2 million has been invested in this network, which currently has 13 migrant assistance facilities and 16 state centers. In 2011 and 2012, 716 professionals from various fields received training in human trafficking.

Coordinated through the Ministry of Justice (MJ), the Department of Human Rights (SDH), and Department of Policies for Women (SPM), the plan was formed with the participation of society. Over 1,500 citizens from various institutions discussed the measures in virtual public consultations and 57 plenary sessions held in Brazil and abroad. "By instituting a policy that confronts this problem, the Brazilian government reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to full citizenship and freedom for all its citizens," said SDH Minister Maria do Rosario.

The assistance facilities are located in places of mass circulation (ports, airports and highways) and are responsible for providing assistance to victims. The centers are responsible for articulating policy in states and municipalities. According to the Justice Minister, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, fear to speak out is a major problem in the investigations. "Those who know of deceived individuals must report their suspicion of such criminal practices so that we can fight these organizations, and this unfortunately makes trafficking a difficult crime to fight," he said.

Call 180 - From January to December 2012, the Assistance to Women Center ("Call 180 International" service) received 80 calls, including 30 from Spain (37%), 25 from Italy (31%), 18 from Portugal (22%) and two from El Salvador (2%). Brazil, France, England, Luxembourg and Switzerland recorded a single call each, totaling 6% of calls. These calls led to assistance being provided on 179 occasions through a series of referrals to meet needs for help and information. The denunciations received through the Call 180 service uncovered two cases of trafficking in women, resulting in successful Federal Police operations. The most recent case has resulted in arrests in Brazil and in Spain, in Salamanca. "On balance, the Call 180 International service paints a previously unknown picture of how violence against Brazilian women crosses borders," said SPM Minister Eleonora Menicucci.

According to a report from the National Department of Justice (SNJ/MJ), between 2005 and 2011, the Federal Police registered 157 investigations for international human trafficking for sexual exploitation, while according to the National Council of Justice, the Judiciary had 91 distributed processes.

A total of 514 investigations were initiated by the Federal Police between 2005 and 2011, including 13 cases of internal trafficking in persons and 344 cases of forced labor.

With regard to arrests and indictments, 381 individuals were charged with international trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation by the Federal Police and 158 were imprisoned, according to the National Penitentiary Department. In the context of internal trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation, 31 were indicted by the Federal Police and 117 arrested between 2005 and 2010.

The study shows that the highest incidence of international trafficking in Brazilian men and women is for sexual exploitation. Of 475 victims identified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its embassies and consulates, 337 suffered sexual exploitation and 135 were subjected to forced labor.