Brazil Ratifies ILO Protocol to Strengthen Global Fight Against Forced Labour

Brazil has formally ratified the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention (No. 29), marking a significant step in its long-standing commitment to eradicating forced labour and protecting vulnerable workers. The announcement was highlighted during a high-level meeting on 1 October 2025 between International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Brazil’s Minister of Labour and Employment Luiz Marinho, held on the sidelines of the ILO’s 20th American Regional Meeting in the Dominican Republic.

The gathering was the first symbolic acknowledgment at a major international event since Brazil deposited its ratification instrument at ILO headquarters in Geneva in July 2025. The moment underscored both Brazil’s domestic leadership in labour rights and its renewed commitment to global solidarity in tackling forced labour.

Updating Global Labour Standards

The 2014 Protocol to the 1930 Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) was adopted to confront contemporary challenges in labour exploitation, including modern supply chains, migration, and trafficking. It requires member states to adopt measures for:

• Prevention of forced labour through stronger laws and awareness campaigns.

• Protection of victims by ensuring access to remedies, support services, and justice.

• Enforcement of labour inspections and employer due diligence obligations to detect and prevent abuse.

Globally, the ILO estimates that 28 million people are still trapped in forced labour, spanning sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and domestic work. The Protocol emphasizes government accountability as well as corporate responsibility in addressing these abuses.

“Brazil’s ratification sends a strong message of leadership and commitment,” said ILO Director-General Houngbo. “At a time when forced labour remains a persistent global challenge, Brazil’s action strengthens international cooperation and sets a standard for other countries to follow.”

Brazil’s Labour Rights Record

As a founding member of the ILO, Brazil has long been engaged in advancing labour rights. With this ratification, Brazil has now committed to 98 Conventions and one Protocol, placing it among the most active members in terms of adherence to international labour standards.

Domestically, Brazil has made significant progress over the years in combating forced labour and child labour. Supported by ILO projects, the country has targeted high-risk supply chains such as cocoa, coffee, açaí, and carnaúba wax, which employ thousands of workers across rural communities. These programmes have focused on:

• Promoting decent work standards.

• Expanding income-generation alternatives for vulnerable households.

• Strengthening public policy frameworks for labour rights.

• Raising awareness about international standards among employers, workers, and communities.

Minister Luiz Marinho emphasized that the new Protocol reinforces Brazil’s national efforts: “This ratification reflects our unwavering resolve to eliminate forced labour in all its forms. We are not only strengthening protections for workers but also committing to building a more transparent, fair, and sustainable labour system for the future.”

Alignment with Global Goals

Brazil’s ratification aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Target 8.7, which calls for immediate measures to end forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking.

By joining 62 other ILO member States in ratifying the Protocol, Brazil has reinforced its international credibility as a champion of social justice, while contributing to global momentum for the elimination of labour exploitation.

Looking Ahead

With stronger legislation, inspections, and enforcement mechanisms, Brazil’s next challenge will be ensuring the Protocol translates into tangible improvements for workers on the ground. This includes empowering labour inspectors, ensuring access to justice for victims, and promoting responsible business conduct across domestic and global supply chains.

As Brazil continues to balance its role as one of the world’s largest emerging economies with its commitment to international labour rights, its leadership in ratifying the Protocol sets a precedent for other nations in Latin America and beyond to follow.