Sex Trafficking in Brazil

               

Sex Trafficking in action. Source: http://www.neontommy.com/sites/default/files/users/user1031/BqJs7dZIIAAzUkT.jpg

Unfortunately, anywhere you go, sex trafficking, or prostitution is a problem. It is defiantly an issue here in the states. However, since the US is a fairly wealthy country, it is not as big as a problem as it is elsewhere in the world.

               People don’t become a prostitute because they want to.  It is because they have no they have no other choice.  Females often sell their body’s for sex, just so they can have money to afford basic essentials such as food and shelter.  Typically, it is not a source of disposable income.

               In Brazil, human trafficking is a huge problem. I briefly hinted at it in a previous post about human rights. (http://globalatmusa.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-right-to-clean-earth.html). Given Brazil’s reputation of corruption and other dirty habits, it should not come as any surprise that it is a problem.

               Part of the reason prostitution is an issue in Brazil is the fact it is actually legal! Now, it is only legal if you are over the age of 18.  However, most prostitutes begin their career as young as age 13! (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/12/world-cup-child-prostitution_n_5474716.html) Why do they start so young? They need the money.

               Sometimes, girls are forced onto the streets by their parents. Other times, girls sneak out on their own will, without permission or knowledge from their parents.

               There is also a black market industry called “Sex Tourism.” Basically this means that people from all over the world (especially from the states) travel to Brazil, just to have sex with a prostitute.

With the recent World Cup, and the upcoming Olympics, tourism will be on the rise in Brazil. With an increase in tourism, there will be an increase in sex tourism. Many girls are learning English, not necessary for the sake of bettering themselves, but so they can negotiate with English speaking tourists!

So what is the Brazilian government doing? Other than illegalizing the practice for minors, not much. (http://www.coha.org/forced-prostitution-and-modern-slavery-brazils-response/) First of all, there isn’t a clear definition of prostitution in Brazilian law. In fact, sex trafficking is barely mentioned in the law. It is not like the law explicably allows the practice, it is that it doesn’t now allow it.

Brazil is facing major corruption problems now. A lot of government officials are corrupt. It would not surprise me if government officials have sex with the prostitutes themselves.  Brazil does not have a good record of handling issues well, and I don’t picture them making a huge priority out of this. Until Brazil can get a honest, hardworking government, and better law enforcement, sex trafficking (and all other issues) will not be going away anytime soon.