The LABURO project is an initiative led by the Argentinian organisation SINODAR, in partnership with social organisations across Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Its main objective is to raise awareness of the global efforts to combat organised crime.
The initiative is developed through two distinct yet complementary lines of action.
The first focuses on strengthening cooperatives and social enterprises involving people in vulnerable situations, thereby improving their living conditions and reducing the risk of their recruitment by criminal groups. In contexts characterised by poverty, unemployment and social exclusion, organised crime thrives: it offers a sense of belonging and easy money, particularly appealing to young people. Furthermore, when crime dominates the local economy, illegal practices such as extortion, money laundering and corruption become widespread and normalised. Creating decent job opportunities is an effective way to strengthen social cohesion and reduce dependence on illicit economies, as well as being an economic response.
The second line of action focuses on the cultural dimension. It aims to dismantle the false narratives used by organised crime to legitimise itself, attract new members, minimise social rejection and weaken the authorities’ response. Criminal organisations often present themselves as being indispensable, or even beneficial, to the community. Some of the most common rhetoric includes statements such as: “We are the true protectors of the people because the government is corrupt and ineffective;” “We provide jobs and opportunities to those who have been abandoned by the system;” “We only target those who betray us or interfere with our business.” These messages aim to minimise the perception of crime as a problem and, in some cases, generate sympathy or support among the population. Countering these narratives is essential to reducing their influence. This requires an integrated approach combining communication, education and social action strategies.
Based on these principles, LABURO is a socio-economic project involving cooperatives and social enterprises in America, Europe, and Africa. The initiative involves the production and marketing of products inspired by the fight against organised crime.
The experience includes a T-shirt featuring one of the winning designs, as well as bookmarks, stickers and information leaflets, all packaged in a personalised box.
The project will begin with an open competition spanning three continents. Artists, designers and illustrators, both professional and amateur, are invited to submit graphic designs related to the campaign theme.
A jury composed of the organisations promoting the project will select three designs from those submitted, while a fourth will be chosen by the public via a web platform. These four designs will then be printed on T-shirts and other products produced by the cooperatives and social enterprises involved.
These experiences will then be marketed in their respective countries, with a portion of the profits going to a local organisation recognised for its commitment to the chosen campaign theme in each participating country.
By purchasing the experiences, users can actively participate in the fight against organised crime, spreading the message through the products and providing financial support to the producers and beneficiary organisations involved.
LABURO promotes self-management, solidarity and cooperation, thereby strengthening the social fabric and the capacity of communities to resist the infiltration of criminal groups.
By prioritising work ethics, inclusion and fair trade, LABURO helps to weaken criminal structures based on exploitation and precariousness, strengthening the formal economy and promoting a culture of legality and transparency.
LABURO reveals the truth about organised crime by shining a spotlight on its lies and disseminating artistic and cultural products that have a social and educational impact on the population.
In partnership with
