US Places Brazil on Human Trafficking Watch List Amid Government Cuts

The U.S. Department of State has placed Brazil and South Africa on its human trafficking watch list, citing inadequate progress in combating the issue. The announcement, made on September 29, indicates that both countries have been moved to the 'Tier 2 Watch List'. They must demonstrate more robust efforts or face potential sanctions from the U.S. government.

The annual Trafficking in Persons report, which evaluates global efforts against forced labor, sex trafficking, and modern slavery, was released nearly three months late. The report highlights a decline in investigations and prosecutions in Brazil, where authorities initiated fewer trafficking cases and recorded less initial convictions than in prior years. Similarly, while South Africa made some progress by launching a sub-provincial task force, it too saw a decrease in victim identifications and cases initiated compared to previous years.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the alarming nature of human trafficking, stating it is a devastating crime that enriches transnational criminal organizations. The significance of this classification is underscored by the U.S. administration's recent political tensions with both countries, particularly following the implementation of tariffs and sanctions on South Africa and Brazil in relation to political matters under the Trump administration.

In Brazil, the situation is compounded by significant cuts to the Office of Monitoring and Combating Trafficking in Persons, which saw a reduction of 71% in workforce, further questioning the country's ability to combat human trafficking effectively. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding this staffing decline, which coincided with the report's delayed release.

As Brazil and South Africa navigate these critical findings, the pressure is on both nations to enhance their responses to trafficking or risk further isolation and sanctions from the United States.