South Africa was also added to the report; Disclosure was made with 3 months late after layoffs on the team
Brazil and South Africa were included in the “Observation List” of human trafficking by the United States State Department. The decision was announced in the annual report, which monitors global efforts against forced labor and sexual trafficking. The document transferred the South American country to the “Level 2 Surveillance List”.
The document was delivered to the US Congress with almost 3 months late: there was one in the team responsible for the publication. The report was published on Monday (29.Set.2025).
According to the US report, the Brazilian government did not show enough progress in combating the problem, starting less investigations and processes related to human trafficking compared to previous years.
In the South African case, the document recognizes some positive initiatives, but points out failures in the results. “Significant efforts included the launch of the country’s first subprovincial task force and the condemnation of more traffickers. However, the government identified fewer victims, investigated fewer cases and started less processes”Says the report.
EM, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “Human trafficking is a horrible and devastating crime that also enriches transnational criminal organizations and immoral and anti -American regimes.”
Tensions between countries
The disclosure of the document was made in a period of growing diplomatic tension between Brazil and the United States. After 50% tariffs applied by the US government to Brazilian products, both nations are at odds.
In speeches at the opening 80th UN General Assembly (United Nations), the leaders of the countries exchanged criticism. The President (PT) Brazil will not accept arbitrary sanctions or external interference”, In addition to declaring that aggressions against the independence of the Brazilian judiciary are“unacceptable”.
Already Trump that the fares faced by Brazil are the result of an attempt to “interfere with the rights and freedoms of our US citizens and others. With censorship, repression, judicial corruption and persecution of political critics in the United States”.
Regarding South Africa, Trump accused the country of what he classified as “white farmers genocide”Without presenting evidence. The president also announced a program of and imposed tariffs on the country.
