Authorities in Argentina have discovered a teenage worker who has been employed since 12 years old under dire conditions, highlighting a wider issue of child labor and human trafficking in the region.
In a series of raids conducted across Entre Ríos and Río Negro provinces, the Agency for Revenue and Customs Control (ARCA) uncovered numerous cases of labor exploitation and child trafficking. The investigation revealed 28 workers with serious irregularities in their hiring and living conditions, involving joint efforts with the Federal Police. This alarming situation sheds light on systemic issues related to labor rights and the vulnerability of young workers in Argentina.
The raids were triggered by a report made to the 0800 hotline, focusing on the town of San Benito in Entre Ríos. Here, authorities found five individuals forced to work up to 12 hours a day from Monday to Saturday. The investigation unveiled a disturbing pattern where these workers were recruited through social media, only to be ensnared in a cycle of debt orchestrated by their employer, who provided false promises of wages and opportunities.
The living conditions of the victims were reported to be shocking, as many resided in wooden shacks, sleeping on mattresses with poor sanitary conditions. This case not only emphasizes the severity of child labor in Argentina but also highlights the need for stronger protections and legal frameworks to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly minors, who are often targeted in such illicit operations.
