Fumo: Servidão moderna e violação de direitos humanos

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate violations of human, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights in the production chain of tobacco; as well as indicating initiatives for the emancipation of tobacco growers from the tobacco industry. It points out the significance of tobacco cultivation for the Brazilian and domestic economy, drawing a parallel between the socio-psychological damage of small farmers and the above-average suicide rate in tobacco-producing regions, inherent to the socio-environmental risks of the activity. It exposes the contractual terms imposed by the transnational tobacco industries and the production cycle of the plantation. It makes theoretical and practical considerations that indicate that this is a matter of environmental justice. It presents and discusses the results of the bibliographic investigation and of the interviews and field visits, such as those who report dissatisfaction with the integrated system, with the process of classifying and marketing the crop, in addition to unhealthy conditions and lack of control over the use of pesticides, contamination of water sources, among others. It summarizes emancipatory initiatives of tobacco growers who seek their autonomy in relation to the Integration System with tobacco transnationals. Proposes the conversion of tobacco farming to other crops as a concrete alternative and the amendment and adaptation of contracts as a prudent alternative for cleaning up the “chain”; as well as banning the sale of pesticides known to be harmful to human health.