Facts and Norms Institute Advances Dialogue with UN Special Rapporteur on Slavery in Brazil

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – 26 August 2025 – The Facts and Norms Institute today held a one-hour briefing with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Mr. Tomoya Obokata, as part of his official country visit to Brazil.

Representing the Institute, Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves presented a synthesis of years of dedicated research, providing the Special Rapporteur with critical data and analysis on the multifaceted nature of forced labor and human trafficking in the country.

The meeting provided a platform to discuss the key findings from three major submissions the Institute has prepared for the Special Rapporteur's mandate, highlighting the interconnected challenges of the informal economy, the role of technology, and the worst forms of child labor.

The discussion began by addressing how Brazil’s vast informal economy serves as the primary incubator for severe labor exploitation. The Institute outlined the consistent profile of victims—often young, non-white, internal migrants from impoverished regions—and detailed Brazil’s unique state enforcement architecture, including the multi-agency Special Mobile Inspection Group (GEFM) and the powerful economic deterrent of the "Dirty List" of employers.

Subsequently, the briefing explored the double-edged sword of technology. While acknowledging its use in deceptive recruitment, the Institute presented its original research on how everyday technologies have been organically adapted into powerful tools for enforcement in Brazil. This includes the use of WhatsApp by workers to send direct evidence to inspectors, and the deployment of GPS and drones by the GEFM to locate and safely raid remote work sites.

Finally, the Institute presented its findings on the worst forms of child labor, framing it as a profound social tragedy driven by deep-seated poverty and inequality. The presentation underscored the alarming reality of over 1.6 million children in labor, with a focus on the most hazardous forms of exploitation, including the recruitment of children by criminal factions for drug trafficking.

Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, Director of the Facts and Norms Institute) (left), and Professor Tomoya Obokata,UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery (right)

Highlighting a central paradox in Brazil's anti-slavery strategy, Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves asserted:

"Brazil possesses interesting legislative and administrative tools to combat contemporary slavery and other forms of inhuman labor.

While this reactive power is essential for rescues, it remains insufficient, as inequality and extreme poverty continue to prevail.

Contemporary slavery is not a series of random tragedies, but a predictable outcome of systemic failures."

The Special Rapporteur's country visit is a critical moment for international scrutiny and advocacy. His final report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council, will serve as a tool for holding institutions accountable and guiding public policy.

The Facts and Norms Institute remains committed to supporting the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and will continue its work of producing independent research to combat contemporary slavery in Brazil and beyond.

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About the Facts and Norms Institute:

The Facts and Norms Institute is an independent academic institution based in the Global South. The Institute’s mission is to promote education based on reason, justice, human rights and the pursuit of peace. The Institute has extensive collaboration with international organizations, including the United Nations Special Procedures. For more information about the Institute’s activities and projects, please visit www.factsandnorms.com