Brazil's Judiciary Advances Policies Addressing Quilombola Rights and Decent Work
Brazil's judiciary is intensifying efforts to implement policies recognizing quilombola rights and promoting decent work through new institutional initiatives and collaboration.
- • TJMG held a meeting to implement CNJ's Resolution nº 599/2024 addressing quilombola needs.
- • Judicial educational initiatives incorporate intercultural and anti-racist perspectives, involving quilombola leaders.
- • CNJ, TST, and CSJT established the Observatório do Trabalho Decente to promote decent work aligned with ILO standards.
- • A cooperation agreement signed to develop judicial policy on decent work with a joint plan due in 90 days.
Key details
On November 17, the Tribunal de Justiça de Minas Gerais (TJMG) convened a significant meeting aimed at advancing the implementation of the Conselho Nacional de Justiça's (CNJ) Resolution nº 599/2024, focusing on the needs of quilombola communities. Led by TJMG's 2nd vice-president, Desembargador Saulo Versiani Penna, the session brought together representatives from the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas Gerais (N’Golo) and four local quilombos to discuss ongoing judicial efforts and educational initiatives that foster intercultural and anti-racist perspectives within the judiciary. Key discussions highlighted training sessions incorporating contributions from quilombola leaders, focusing on identity and public policies, alongside planned cultural events commemorating the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness. In addition, historical research presented by the Documentation Information Management director, Thiago Doro, and a documentary trailer about Chica da Silva underscored the cultural and historical significance of quilombola heritage.
Parallelly, on November 18, CNJ, alongside the Superior Labor Court (TST) and Superior Council of Labor Justice (CSJT), launched the Observatório do Trabalho Decente—an observatory dedicated to promoting decent work aligned with International Labor Organization standards. As CNJ President Edson Fachin noted, Brazil, a signatory to 82 ILO conventions, faces challenges such as precarious labor conditions and discrimination, which necessitate robust judicial policies. The new observatory will serve as a multidisciplinary consultative entity monitoring labor practices and advancing policies that uphold fundamental rights. The entities also signed Cooperation Agreement 073/2025 to develop a joint judicial policy ensuring safe, equitable, and dignified work environments. A work plan is expected within 90 days to coordinate efforts, technical support, and awareness campaigns.
Together, these initiatives reflect Brazil’s judiciary commitment to recognizing and addressing the social, cultural, and labor rights of marginalized groups, particularly quilombola communities, fostering inclusive and just judicial practices.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.