United Nations urges Brazil to increase labor inspectors to combat slavery

The United Nations has recommended that Brazil expand its workforce of labor inspectors to combat modern slavery, particularly in remote areas, the Amazon, and private residences. A report by UN Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata highlights that Brazil currently has approximately 2,600 inspectors for over 100 million workers, falling short of the 5,400 recommended by the International Labour Organization.

The UN suggests strengthening the fight against exploitation linked to illegal mining, deforestation, and land grabbing, while urging the government to ensure victims have better access to justice and legal assistance. Recommendations include criminalizing companies involved in exploitation and protecting vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and migrants.

Separately, various Brazilian labor courts have issued several rulings regarding worker rights. These include a brewery being ordered to pay damages for inadequate sanitary facilities, a gas station station being fined for requiring female employees to wear leggings, and a worker being denied a claim for unpaid wages during paternity leave. In another case, a worker's dismissal for cause was upheld after he attended a festival while on medical leave for an injury.