Brazil Starts Campaign to Warn Women of Sex Trade

On Wednesday, Brazil launched a government awareness campaign to help curb illegal trafficking of women for sexual exploitation abroad. As part of the campaign, Brazilian women obtaining travel documents to go abroad are being given a pamphlet picturing a naked woman with a message stamped on her back: "First they take your passport, then your freedom."

The illegal trafficking of women -- mostly from poor countries -- generates $9 billion a year and is the third largest illegal trade behind drugs and weapons, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The number of Brazilian women, mostly ages 18-21, forced into prostitution abroad by international crime rings has increased considerably in recent years; most are taken to Spain, Portugal, or Italy.

"Dreams usually end up as nightmares. It is a very serious situation that is still not well known here," explained Claudia Chagas, secretary of the justice ministry. The women often leave Brazil voluntarily with the promise of an overseas job and therefore no apparent crime has been committed. Other pamphlets that are being distributed read: "Beware of unexpected affectionate advances or generous job offers," and "You may never see your family again."

The campaign, cosponsored by UNODC and the Portuguese government, targets the four most affected Brazilian states with radio messages and large warning signs posted at airports. Police officers, judges and diplomats working at foreign consulates in the country are also to receive awareness training.

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