The U.S. State Department has placed Brazil and South Africa on its human trafficking watchlist, saying both countries “do not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking,” according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report.
While acknowledging “significant efforts” by both governments, the report said neither showed “overall increasing efforts” compared to last year. It cited South Africa’s failure to monitor or investigate forced labor in industries such as agriculture and mining, and Brazil’s “inadequate law enforcement efforts.”
Placement on the watchlist puts both countries at risk of potential U.S. sanctions unless they strengthen measures to combat trafficking, including punishing convicted traffickers and improving protections for victims.
