 |
Valéria Nerio |
Abstract
Human trafficking is a transnational
crime that affects millions of victims worldwide, often disguised as legitimate
opportunities such as job offers and romantic relationships. With an estimated
annual revenue of USD 150 billion, human trafficking continues to be one of the
most profitable illegal industries, disproportionately affecting women and
children, who represent around 70% of victims. This study employs a qualitative
methodology, through documentary analysis of legal frameworks and a case study focused
on a digital platform, to examine the impact of technology and State
obligations in addressing human trafficking. It concludes that while technology
has facilitated new forms of exploitation, it also offers powerful tools for
detection and prevention. An example is the YouTube channel "SobreVivendo
na Turquia", whose author has been recognized as an Ambassador at the
United Nations for her impactful humanitarian work. The channel, with over
600,000 subscribers, plays a strategic role in raising awareness about human
trafficking, serving as a digital platform to disseminate information, educate
the public, and support victims by utilizing storytelling, real-life
experiences, and practical advice to educate individuals about common
recruitment tactics, signs of exploitation, and support mechanisms available
through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). Furthermore, the
analysis emphasizes the State’s legal responsibility not only to prosecute
traffickers but also to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and ensure
effective investigations. The growing influence of digital platforms, with over
5 billion users globally as of 2024, reinforces the urgent need for States to
adopt proactive measures, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and enhance international
cooperation to combat this hidden crime and safeguard human rights.
Keywords: Human Trafficking, Human Rights,
Cybercrimes, International Law, Technology.
1.
Introduction
Human trafficking is a criminal
practice that involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or
receipt of individuals through the use of threats, force, or other forms of
coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of authority, or exploitation of a
position of vulnerability, with the purpose of exploitation. This exploitation
may include sex work, forced
labor, slavery or practices analogous to slavery, servitude, or the removal of
organs. Traffickers often take advantage of the vulnerabilities of their
victims by offering seemingly legitimate opportunities to lure them[1].
It is a large-scale criminal
activity that generates an estimated annual revenue of USD 150 billion,
highlighting its magnitude as one of the most profitable illegal industries in
the world. Statistics reveal that women and children account for approximately
70% of the victims of this crime, demonstrating the vulnerability of these
groups in contexts of exploitation. The number of underage victims exceeds 150
million globally, an alarming figure that underscores the severity of the problem
in terms of violations of children's rights[2].
Traffickers exploit social,
economic, and emotional vulnerabilities, employing sophisticated tactics,
including the use of the internet and social media, to attract victims. In this
context, the digital age has expanded the methods of recruitment and
exploitation, with traffickers creating fake job offers, fictitious romantic
relationships, and fraudulent modeling agencies to deceive their targets. Among
the many strategies used, the "romance scam" and the "Shāzhūpán"[3]
scheme are notable examples of digital tactics for recruitment and coercion[4].
In parallel, the exponential growth
of social media usage has played a significant role in facilitating human
trafficking. In 2024, the number of social media users reached 5 billion,
representing over 60% of the global population. In 2023 alone, there was a 5%
increase in the number of users, with 266 million new profiles created. This
rapid growth highlights how digital platforms have become fertile ground for
criminal activities, enabling the recruitment of victims through the
exploitation of personal data and the manipulation of algorithms for illicit
purposes[5].
These criminals utilize content
personalization, a core feature of social media platforms, to target specific
advertisements aimed at individuals in vulnerable situations. Targeted
advertising allows them to segment individuals based on online interests and
behaviors, such as the search for job opportunities, emotional support, or
financial assistance. Traffickers also exploit data mining, collecting widely
available personal information from social networks to create detailed
profiles, enabling them to tailor their approaches with precision and maximize
the impact of their recruitment strategies.
In addition to algorithmic
exploitation, traffickers employ psychological manipulation and social
engineering tactics to coerce their victims. One of the most common strategies
involves making false promises, such as offering lucrative jobs, educational
opportunities, or romantic relationships to attract individuals in emotionally
or economically vulnerable situations. After establishing contact, they create
fake profiles and develop trust-based relationships, positioning themselves as
emotional supporters or mentors to their victims. In more advanced stages of
manipulation, they resort to direct coercion, using threats, blackmail, and
emotional extortion, often based on information obtained online.
A comprehensive analysis of how
traffickers exploit social media platforms to recruit victims is presented in
the article "The Role of Social
Media in Human Trafficking Victimization" by Jennifer A. Love. This
study explores various forms of trafficking, including forced labor, debt
bondage, organ trafficking, and sexual exploitation, highlighting the methods
used to lure individuals through online platforms[6].
Additionally, the article "Algorithmic Exploitation in Social
Media Human Trafficking and Strategies for Regulation" explores how
traffickers leverage social media algorithms to target and manipulate
vulnerable populations. The study provides a thematic analysis of existing
research, revealing the tactics employed by traffickers and the role of
algorithms in facilitating exploitation[7].
Currently, the Palermo Protocol is
the primary international instrument against human trafficking, establishing
measures for prevention, victim protection, and the prosecution of traffickers[8].
Initiatives such as the Blue Heart[9]
Campaign and the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
(UN.GIFT)[10] are
essential for raising awareness and fostering international cooperation
networks.
Cases such as Trabalhadores da Fazenda Brasil Verde v. Brazil[11] and Chowdury v. Greece[12] highlight
the responsibility of States in the prevention and suppression of human
trafficking. These decisions reinforce the need for effective public policies
and international cooperation.
In Brazil, initiatives such as
YouTube channels have proven to be effective allies in the prevention and
combat of human trafficking. An example is the “SobreVivendo na Turquia"[13]
channel, which has a significant following. The channel's author has been
recognized for her humanitarian work by the legislative assembly and actively
participates in strategic actions to raise awareness and prevent human
trafficking. This type of digital platform serves as a powerful tool to
disseminate information, educate the public, and support victims.
Initiatives like this facilitate public
understanding by simplifying communication and leveraging algorithms to deliver
content. This is an example that has been nationally recognized due to its
humanitarian work through the use of social media platforms[14].
The role of digital education is crucial
in this context, as it equips individuals with the necessary knowledge to
identify signs of trafficking, understand the risks associated with online
interactions, and recognize deceptive recruitment tactics. Moreover,
international cooperation among governments, civil society organizations, and
digital platforms enhances the global response to human trafficking, promoting
the exchange of best practices, the development of joint prevention strategies,
and the strengthening of cross-border investigations.
These
figures and analyses highlight the urgent need for more effective regulatory
strategies and international cooperation to mitigate the risks associated with
the use of technology in human trafficking. Human trafficking remains a global
challenge, and the strengthening of international mechanisms, combined with the
integration of technological and institutional strategies, is essential to
protect human rights.
Global
Strategies for the Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking and
In response to the urgent need for
an international legal framework to curb this practice, the Palermo Protocol[15],
officially known as the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in
Persons, Especially Women and Children, was established as a supplement to the
United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
This document is one of the key
global instruments in the fight against human trafficking, and its importance
within the context of current prevention and repression strategies is immense.
It sets forth guidelines that assist countries in identifying human
trafficking, protecting victims, and prosecuting offenders, serving as a
fundamental basis for public policies and governmental actions in Brazil and
around the world.
The prevention of human trafficking
is one of the pillars of the Palermo Protocol, encouraging States to promote
educational and awareness campaigns to alert the population about the methods
used by traffickers. This includes the dissemination of informational materials
in airports, bus stations, and on social media, warning about scams and false
job offers, as well as the training of immigration officers and law enforcement
personnel to identify potential victims.
In Brazil, the National Policy to
Combat Human Trafficking, inspired by the Palermo Protocol, reflects this
commitment through actions such as the "Blue Heart"[16]
campaign, aimed at raising awareness about this crime.
In addition to prevention, the
Protocol establishes that States must provide protection and support to
trafficking victims, ensuring their recovery and social reintegration. To
achieve this, measures such as shelters, psychological and legal assistance are
essential, as well as facilitating the safe return of trafficked victims to
their countries of origin. Another crucial aspect is the exemption from
criminal liability for victims forced to commit crimes under traffickers'
coercion, ensuring that they are not unjustly criminalized.
In 2022, the Brazilian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MRE), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Public
Security (MJSP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM),
launched the guide "Human
Trafficking and Guidelines for Working Abroad." This publication aims
to provide guidance to Brazilians seeking employment abroad, warning about the
risks associated with human trafficking and offering guidelines for safe
migration[17].
Another initiative by the MRE in the
same year was the publication of an alert regarding the "fiancé scam,"[18] a
form of fraud involving fake romantic relationships used to deceive victims,
often with the intent of human trafficking, financial extortion, or
exploitation. The alert highlights warning signs, such as quick marriage
proposals and requests for money[19].
The third pillar of the Palermo Protocol
addresses the punishment of traffickers and the accountability of those
involved, mandating that countries criminalize human trafficking and establish
strict penalties. This includes the imprisonment of traffickers and
intermediaries, the dismantling of transnational criminal networks, and the
enhancement of international cooperation to extradite and prosecute traffickers
operating across borders.
A relevant example is the case Trabalhadores da Fazenda Brasil Verde v.
Brazil, in which the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held Brazil
accountable for its lack of oversight that enabled the exploitation of workers
in conditions analogous to slavery. This case demonstrates the importance of
the Palermo Protocol in ensuring that States are held responsible for
negligence in the protection of human rights.
Since its adoption, the Palermo
Protocol has been a milestone in international cooperation against human
trafficking, yet it still faces significant challenges. One of the main
obstacles is the difficulty in identifying victims, as many do not recognize themselves
as such or are afraid to report their situations.
Moreover, the lack of resources for
victim assistance hinders their social reintegration. Another emerging
challenge is the evolution of traffickers' strategies, who increasingly use
social media and messaging apps to recruit victims in more sophisticated ways.
Despite these difficulties, the Palermo Protocol remains an essential reference
for the development of public policies and concrete actions in the fight
against human trafficking, requiring continuous efforts for its effective
implementation.
Several countries and international
organizations have adopted strategies to prevent and combat human trafficking.
The African Union developed the "Policy
Framework on the Prevention of Human Trafficking,"[20] aimed at
raising awareness about the risks of fraudulent offers and strengthening
cooperation among member states. In Brazil, the "National Policy to Combat Human Trafficking"[21]
establishes guidelines for prevention, repression, and victim support through
campaigns addressing false job offers and deceptive relationships.
In the United States, the "Trafficking Victims Protection
Act" (TVPA)[22] establishes measures to prevent human
trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers, including awareness campaigns
on recruitment tactics. The European Union, in turn, implemented the "Anti-Trafficking Directive"[23] of
2011, which aims to prevent trafficking, protect and support victims, and
punish traffickers, with a focus on different forms of recruitment.
Finally, ASEAN established the "Convention Against Trafficking in
Persons, Especially Women and Children,"[24] a
"Convenção contra o Tráfico de Pessoas, Especialmente Mulheres e
Crianças" promoting regional cooperation for prevention, victim
protection, and the prosecution of traffickers, with an emphasis on awareness
campaigns. Meanwhile, Australia implements the "National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery,"[25]
which prioritizes educational campaigns on false job and relationship promises,
in addition to strengthening victim protection. These initiatives reflect the
global commitment to addressing human trafficking.
In the global fight against human
trafficking, international legal frameworks such as the Palermo Protocol have
established comprehensive guidelines for prevention, victim protection, and the
prosecution of traffickers. However, the effectiveness of these instruments
relies heavily on the commitment and accountability of individual States to
implement their provisions. While international treaties set the legal
standards, it is through case law that the practical application of these
obligations is truly tested.
The jurisprudence of the
Inter-American Human Rights System plays a critical role in shaping the legal
framework and reinforcing State accountability in cases of human trafficking.
Through emblematic cases, the Inter-American Court has emphasized that State
responsibility extends beyond direct involvement in violations, encompassing
the failure to adopt effective measures to prevent trafficking, ensure justice,
and provide adequate reparations.
Jurisprudence
of the Inter-American Human Rights System
The Inter-American Human Rights
System (IAHRS), composed of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), plays a crucial
role in the promotion and protection of human rights across the Americas. The
jurisprudence developed by these bodies not only establishes parameters for the
protection of fundamental rights but also guides public policies on complex
issues such as human trafficking.
A landmark case is Trabalhadores da Fazenda Brasil Verde v.
Brazil (2016), in which the IACtHR held the Brazilian State responsible for
violations related to forced labor, a situation directly connected to human
trafficking for labor exploitation. The Court concluded that Brazil failed to
adequately prevent, investigate, and punish practices analogous to slavery, as
well as to protect victims of this contemporary form of enslavement. The ruling
highlighted the need for effective public policies and a robust institutional
framework to eradicate human trafficking and forced labor in the region[26].
The case of Trabalhadores da Fazenda Brasil Verde v. Brazil represents a
landmark in the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
(IACtHR) as it addresses the Brazilian State's responsibility concerning forced
labor and human trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation. The
proceedings began with reports of degrading conditions faced by workers at the
Brasil Verde plantation, located in the state of Pará, Brazil. The workers were
subjected to exhausting work hours, unsanitary living conditions, fraudulent
debts, and restrictions on their freedom, constituting a situation analogous to
slavery. Following the ineffectiveness of Brazilian judicial institutions in
ensuring justice, the case was brought before the Inter-American Commission on
Human Rights (IACHR) and subsequently referred to the IACtHR.
From a legal perspective, the IACtHR
primarily relied on Articles 6 (prohibition of slavery and servitude), 1.1
(obligation to respect rights), and 2 (duty to adopt domestic legal provisions)
of the American Convention on Human Rights. The Court found that Brazil had
violated these provisions, not only due to its failure to prevent forced labor
but also because of its inability to adequately investigate the abuses and
prosecute those responsible. One of the most significant aspects of the ruling
was the recognition that human trafficking is not limited to transnational
contexts and can occur within national borders, particularly in cases of
extreme labor exploitation.
The Court emphasized that Brazil
failed to implement effective public policies to combat modern slavery, despite
having a legal framework that criminalizes such practices. The tribunal
highlighted the importance of the State's duty of due diligence, which must go
beyond the mere enactment of laws, requiring concrete actions to monitor,
prevent, and punish human rights violations. Brazil was ordered to adopt a
series of reparative measures, including compensation for victims, awareness
campaigns on forced labor and human trafficking, and the strengthening of
public policies and oversight mechanisms.
Although it does not belong to the
Inter-American Human Rights System, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)
also offers relevant jurisprudence for addressing human trafficking,
particularly in comparative contexts. The case of Chowdury and Others v. Greece (2017) involved 42 migrant workers
from Bangladesh subjected to forced labor conditions on strawberry plantations
in Greece. The ECtHR found a violation of Article 4 of the European Convention
on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery and forced labor. The decision
underscored the obligation of States to adopt positive measures to prevent
human trafficking, protect victims, and punish those responsible, establishing
an important precedent for similar cases at the international level[27].
The ECtHR concluded that Greece
violated its positive and procedural obligations by failing to protect migrant
workers and to hold the perpetrators of the violations adequately accountable.
The Court emphasized that the State cannot evade its responsibility by citing
administrative limitations or lack of evidence[28],
particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations such as irregular
migrant workers.
One of the groundbreaking aspects of
the ruling was the recognition that a victim’s consent to work under precarious
conditions does not negate the existence of forced labor, as such consent may
be obtained through coercion, deception, or the exploitation of socioeconomic
vulnerabilities. Moreover, the ECtHR highlighted the importance of a proactive
approach by States in identifying and combating human trafficking and forced
labor.
Both cases underscore that prevention is not merely a policy
choice but a legal obligation under international human rights law. Measures
such as public education campaigns (e.g., Brazil’s “Blue Heart” campaign),
international cooperation, victim identification protocols, and data-driven
strategies are crucial in dismantling trafficking networks. The rulings also
highlight the importance of addressing structural vulnerabilities—poverty, lack
of education, and weak labor protections—that traffickers exploit.
In addition to legal frameworks and
judicial decisions, innovative approaches to prevention have proven to be
effective in raising public awareness and identifying potential trafficking
situations. An example is the “SobreVivendo
na Turquia” YouTube channel, which has gained significant recognition for
its role in combating human trafficking through accessible digital content.
The effectiveness of such platforms
lies in their ability to communicate complex issues in simple, relatable
language, which significantly broadens their reach. Unlike formal governmental
reports or legal documents that may be inaccessible to the general public,
content created on social media platforms resonates with diverse audiences,
including those most vulnerable to trafficking schemes. The channel utilizes
storytelling, real-life experiences, and practical advice to educate
individuals about common recruitment tactics, signs of exploitation, and available
support mechanisms.
In this context, digital platforms
can complement traditional legal mechanisms by enhancing public engagement and
fostering community-based prevention. Its success demonstrates that legal
obligations under international frameworks, such as the Palermo Protocol, can
be effectively supported by civil society initiatives that leverage technology
to reach at-risk populations.
Conclusion
The
evolution of international jurisprudence regarding human trafficking and forced
labor highlights a transformative shift in the understanding of State
responsibility. The jurisprudence analyzed from the Inter-American Court of
Human Rights (IACtHR) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)
demonstrates that State obligations extend far beyond the mere prosecution of
direct perpetrators. They encompass a broader duty to prevent human rights
violations, protect vulnerable populations, and provide reparations to victims.
These landmark decisions emphasize
that the failure to act—whether through inadequate legal frameworks,
insufficient enforcement mechanisms, or a lack of proactive measures—can render
States internationally accountable. The rulings reinforce the principle of due
diligence, asserting that the absence of direct involvement does not absolve a
State from liability when omissions contribute to human trafficking and forced
labor.
Moreover, the integration of
innovative prevention strategies, such as the “SobreVivendo na Turquia” YouTube channel, illustrates the
complementary role of civil society in combating trafficking. The use of
accessible language and digital platforms enhances public awareness, reaching
audiences that traditional legal mechanisms might overlook.
Finally, the fight against human
trafficking requires a multi-dimensional approach that combines robust legal
obligations with proactive State measures and community-driven initiatives. As
international jurisprudence continues to evolve, it serves not only to hold
States accountable but also to inspire comprehensive policies that prioritize
prevention, protection, and justice for all victims.
References
[1]Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in
Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations
Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, Nov. 15, 2000, art. 3(a).
[2]Derek M. Moore, Algorithmic
Exploitation in Social Media Human Trafficking and Strategies for Regulation,
13 Laws 31 (2024),
https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13030031.
[3]Originating in China and Southeast Asia, the Shāzhūpán scam
(literally "pig butchering") involves building online relationships
to deceive victims into investing in fraudulent schemes. The name refers to
"fattening" the victim with false hopes before exploitation. In the
context of human trafficking, victims are lured by fake job offers or promises
of love, leading to sexual exploitation or forced labor. Some are coerced into
financial scams or sold to human trafficking networks. Victims often realize
the scam only when isolated, without documents, and unable to escape, facing
conditions akin to modern slavery.
[4]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2023,
available at https://www.unodc.org.
[5]Id. at 02.
[6]The research underscores the multifaceted nature of human
trafficking and the critical role that social media plays in facilitating these
illicit activities.
[7]As highlighted in the literature review, the absence of
regulatory frameworks addressing the specificities of social media algorithms
provides criminals with considerable freedom to target their victims.
Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen comprehensive safety networks grounded
in data mining, particularly through the development and implementation of
advanced data-driven algorithms designed to detect and prevent the
dissemination of exploitative content.
[8]United Nations, Convention
Against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols Thereto, 2000,
available at https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/organized-crime/intro/UNTOC.html.
[9]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Blue Heart Campaign, available at
https://www.unodc.org/blueheart.
[10]United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
(UN.GIFT), available at
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/what-is-human-trafficking.html.
[11]Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Workers of the Brasil Verde Farm v. Brazil, Judgment of Oct. 20,
2016.
[12]European Court of Human Rights, Chowdury and Others v. Greece, Application No. 21884/15, Judgment
of Mar. 30, 2017.
[13]SobreVivendo
na Turquia is a Brazilian YouTube channel -
110,470,653 views - focused on raising awareness about human rights issues,
including human trafficking. The channel's creator has been recognized with a
humanitarian award from the United Nations for her impactful advocacy and
contribution to anti-trafficking initiatives.
[14]Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais, Trafficking of Women is the Subject of a Hearing at the Assembly,
available at https://www.almg.gov.br (last visited Nov. 3, 2023).
[15]United Nations, Protocol
to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime, G.A. Res. 55/25, U.N. Doc. A/RES/55/25 (Nov. 15, 2000),
available at https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/organized-crime/intro/UNTOC.html
(last visited Nov. 3, 2023).
[16]The Blue Heart Campaign is promoted internationally by the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and was launched at the
Women's World Award in Vienna, Austria, on March 5, 2009, under the title Blue Heart Campaign. The initiative aims
to raise awareness about disturbing developments and trends identified by the
UNODC and calls on governments, law enforcement authorities, public services,
and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention,
identify and support victims, and end impunity.
[17]Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), Human Trafficking and Guidelines for Working Abroad, available at:
https://brazil.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1496/files/documents/2024-05/trafico-de-pessoas-e-orientacoes-para-o-trabalho-no-exterior.pdf.
[18]The Love
Scam occurs when criminals seduce
victims through fake relationships, gaining their trust to later exploit them.
This scam is frequently used for sexual trafficking, forced labor, and even
financial fraud. Recruiters may pose as foreigners interested in marriage or
promise a luxurious life in another country. After gaining the victim’s trust,
they demand that the victim travel to meet them, at which point the victim may
be kidnapped, forced into sex work, or exploited in other ways. This scam is
common on social media platforms and dating apps, where traffickers target
emotionally vulnerable individuals.
[19]Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), The Fiancé Scam, available at:
https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-bagda/golpe-do-noivo.
[20] African Union, Policy
on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Africa, available at: https://au.int/sites/default/files/newsevents/workingdocuments/40515-wd-POLICY_ON_THE_PREVENTION_OF_TRAFFICKING_IN_PERSONS_IN_AFRICA-_PORTUGUESE.pdf.
[21] Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Brazil), Política Nacional de Enfrentamento ao
Tráfico de Pessoas, available at:
https://www.gov.br/mj/pt-br/assuntos/sua-protecao/trafico-de-pessoas/publicacoes/politica-e-plano-nacional-de-enfrentamento-ao-trafico-de-pessoas.
[22] U.S. Department of State, Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), available at:
https://www.state.gov/trafficking-victims-protection-act-of-2000.
[23] European Parliament, Directive
2011/36/EU on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings,
available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content.
[24] Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in
Persons, Especially Women and Children, available at:
https://asean.org/asean-convention-against-trafficking-in-persons-especially-women-and-children/.
[25] Australian Government, National Action Plan to Combat Human
Trafficking and Slavery 2015–19, available at:
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/national-action-plan-to-combat-human-trafficking-and-slavery-2015-19.
[26] Trabalhadores da
Fazenda Brasil Verde v. Brasil, Corte IDH, Sentença de 20 de outubro de
2016, disponível em:
https://www.corteidh.or.cr/docs/casos/articulos/seriec_318_por.pdf.
[27] Chowdury and Others
v. Greece, Eur. Ct. H.R., No. 21884/15, Judgment of 30 March 2017,
disponível em: https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-172301.
[28] The ECtHR ruled that the Greek State should provide
financial compensation to the victims and adopt measures to prevent similar
situations in the future. The decision had a significant impact in Europe,
reinforcing the need to protect the rights of migrant workers and the role of
the State in preventing labor exploitation. Furthermore, the case served as a
warning to other countries about the importance of strict oversight in sectors
vulnerable to human trafficking and forced labor.
Valéria Nerio
UN Consultant
Brazilian Lawyer | European Lawyer