In a pressing appeal released on Friday, the UN Special Rapporteur on modern slavery, Tomoya Obokata, emphasized the critical situation of contemporary forms of slavery prevalent across Brazil. His findings were part of a statement issued at the conclusion of his investigative visit into the country's handling of modern slavery, including labor and sexual exploitation affecting vulnerable groups such as children, domestic workers, and indigenous populations.

Obokata's report sheds light on the severe exploitation that continues unabated, notably among Indigenous, African, and Quilombola communities, as well as migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers struggling in the Brazilian labor market. The report also highlighted the discrimination faced by sex workers and the rising instances of "pejotização," a practice where workers are hired as legal entities rather than formal employees to circumvent labor rights and reduce labor costs.

This practice, along with other exploitative labor conditions, stands in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically Articles 4 and 23, which protect against slavery and assure fair labor standards.

Despite these challenges, Brazil does possess a robust legislative framework designed to combat such injustices. Key laws include Article 149 of Brazil’s Penal Code, which criminalizes conditions akin to slavery such as forced labor and degrading work environments. Moreover, the Statute of Child and Adolescent of Brazil enforces stringent prohibitions against child labor and exploitation.

During his visit, Obokata engaged with various stakeholders, including government officials and NGOs, as well as victims and survivors of modern slavery, to gather a comprehensive view of the ongoing issues and the measures in place to address them.

The UN expert commended the existing legal and institutional measures but stressed the urgent need for their stronger enforcement and the ratification of additional International Labour Organization Conventions, such as Convention No. 190 which aims to eliminate workplace violence and harassment.

Obokata’s recommendations for Brazil also include enhancing support systems for rescued victims, implementing educational and poverty alleviation programs to prevent child labor and exploitation, and ensuring that indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers have equal access to employment opportunities and fair compensation.

The call to action is clear: Brazil must not only uphold but also strengthen its efforts to eradicate the deep-rooted issue of modern slavery, ensuring justice and protection for its most vulnerable populations.