Semanology: Slavery and freedom
Freedom is a gift, a right and a privilege. It is a gift, due to the need to be aware in order to enjoy it. It is a right, because it is connatural to the human being. It is a privilege for those who exercise it – an important part of Humanity cannot do it.
Freedom, in a democratic society, correlates with citizenship. The status of citizen has freedom as an essential element of its content. For example, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of movement, freedom of personal values and orientations. But also freedoms that are necessary for others to be possible: economic, cultural and social freedom. Freedoms correlated with the right to housing, employment, education, health, food, creation and enjoyment of culture.
In Portugal in 2022, many freedoms and rights are denied, by action or omission, putting millions of people in a situation of reduced freedom (current poverty rate and risk of poverty) and thousands in a situation of slavery.
Yes, it is now clear and definitive that slavery exists in Portugal in the 21st century. But the media, politicians and the general population seem more concerned about what is happening in Qatar. Googlei “slavery in Alentejo” and found 10 700 results. I did the same for “Qatar human rights” and it came up with 3,460,000 results.
What is this lack of self-criticism, sensitivity and moral sense due to?
There are recurrent requests for Portugal to apologize for the slavery that occurred in past centuries in the former colonies or in relation to the slave trade. I found 100,000 references to the expression “forgiveness of slavery in Portugal”.
“What is the authority to address the conditions of migrant workers in Qatar when similar or worse situations exist in our country?”
But, last week, when the PJ dismantled a network that was dedicated to the trafficking of emigrants and placed them, centenarians, in slave condition on agricultural properties in the Alentejo and the Center Region, the statements on this matter from the highest instances of the State , government and opposition, in particular, are very difficult to find.
A lot about the State Budget debate, about the World Cup, some about Ukraine and fuel.
However, where is the indignation and action regarding the existence of slavery in Portugal, in November 2022? Furthermore, this article is not new. Similar news has been recurring in recent years. And it is not unreasonable to think that, if these facts are revealed, comparable situations exist. In catering, in hotels, in some types of commercial establishments, in other areas of activity.
Criticizing those who, in foreign territory, practice acts against Human Rights makes sense. Wouldn’t it be even more sensible to do so in relation to what is happening in this field in the national territory? Mobilize the State, local authorities, companies and civil society to detect, denounce and put an end to this type of situation?
Who has the authority to address the conditions of migrant workers in Qatar when similar or worse situations occur in our country? Talking about freedom in Qatar, yes, but let slavery and degrading working conditions in Portugal be resolved.
And that our fellow citizens, concerned about the violation of Human Rights in Africa in the colonial past – namely, opinion makers -, are concerned about taking action so that we can all, here and now, effectively enjoy the gift, the right, the privilege of freedom.