US State Department maintains Brazil on human trafficking watch list

The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States Department of State maintains Brazil on the Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year. While the report acknowledges Brazilian efforts to combat forced labor and sexual exploitation, it notes a lack of significant progress compared to the previous year.

Key issues identified in Brazil include serious flaws in evidence collection and the interpretation of existing laws by local authorities. Consequently, many traffickers face administrative sanctions rather than rigorous criminal investigations and prosecutions. The report also highlights insufficient coordination between federal and state governments and civil society. Brazil faces the risk of being downgraded to Tier 3, which could trigger economic sanctions, such as potential vetoes on financing from international banks and the IMF.

In contrast, Cabo Verde has been removed from the Tier 2 Watch List and elevated to Tier 2. The U.S. government recognized the archipelago’s ‘significant efforts’ to combat trafficking, including improved victim identification, assistance, and training for border authorities. However, the report noted that Cabo Verde has yet to convict traffickers or address potential complicity among authorities.