Country Report: Argentina

A Victim's Story

In a recent police raid, Bolivian boys were discovered working as slaves in an Argentine factory. These boys were forced to work 19-hour shifts, were prohibited from leaving, and are often beaten to keep up the pace. Authorities are still investigating how these undocumented youths slipped past the border. The minors continued to work for almost two years, still receiving no pay, and falling into further debt imposed by their "owners." All too often, those who risk coming to the city center find themselves working in factory jobs under conditions of contemporary slavery.

Country Background

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, with a population of approximately 37 million. The country is Latin America's largest exporter of agricultural products and has a diverse industrial base. Argentina benefits from a population that is mostly literate and well-educated. However, over the past decade Argentina has been suffering from an economic slowdown due to high inflation, debt, and capital flight, causing about 25 percent of unemployment.

Causes of Slavery

A country that once enjoyed a stable and wealthy economy is now witnessing a stark change in wages and employment opportunities. Argentina's people, especially those on the fringes of the economy, are vulnerable and more desperate than ever before to find other means by which to bring wealth into the country. Recent high levels of unemployment cause individuals to seek alternative modes of wealth. In addition to economic collapse, there is social unrest. Recently, there has been less control by border police, thus increasing numbers of undocumented illegal immigrants are entering Argentina. The decrease in overall police control has exacerbated the opportunity for individuals to exploit undocumented labor.

The Process of Enslavement

Buenos Aires has become the place where the Argentine slavery thrives. Immigrants from neighboring countries, such as Paraguay and Bolivia, enter the country seeking better living conditions. These individuals feel they may be worse off in their home countries. Potential Argentine slave-holders find their victims at the borders; they promise young immigrants high-paying jobs in cities and transportation to their new job locations. Once the victim arrives in Buenos Aires, however, he is told he must repay his traveling and nourishment expenses. Immigrants become victims of a system of inescapable debt-bondage.

Another form of slavery that exists in Argentina is sexual slavery. Paraguayan immigrant girls were discovered in brothels in Buenos Aires during another raid ten days after Bolivian minors were found working as factory slaves. There is a well-organized system of sex slavery in the city, as sex slavery makes up a portion of its $64 million per year underground economy (other contributors include drug trafficking and illegal gambling). The system persists due to an inefficient police force, slow court action, and lack of economic opportunity in both the sender and recipient countries. In addition, this type of slavery is not perceived as a significant problem, or is simply ignored, especially since it brings in foreign currency-Argentina is a favored destination among Americans and Europeans for pedophile sex tourists. Policemen who accept bribes by human traffickers at the borders also contribute to the system's existence. In fact, in some cases the police actually tip off the slave holders prior to raids.

Response on the Ground

The Latin American and Caribbean division of UNICEF has launched a campaign against the sexual exploitation of minors with specific focus on Argentina. The Office for Assistant to Migrants, as well as the Office for the Assistance to the Victims of Crime, provides local help and legal support, but it is clear that much more remains to be done in order to completely eradicate slavery in Argentina.

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