US
In a move that has sparked debate on global human rights standards, the United States has downgraded both Brazil and South Africa in its annual report on efforts to combat human trafficking, placing them on a watchlist just one step above a blacklist that could trigger sanctions. The 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, the first under President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, highlights what it calls insufficient progress by these BRICS nations in identifying victims, prosecuting cases, and protecting vulnerable groups. For South Africa, the downgrade comes amid accusations of official complicity and weak victim services, while Brazil faces criticism for failing to secure convictions under its anti-trafficking laws despite estimates of tens of thousands of victims. As Trump shifts focus away from human rights in favour of alliances with friendly governments, this report underscores the administration’s selective approach to global issues, even as adversaries like China and Russia remain on the lowest tier.
The report’s release on Monday, 29 September 2025, has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges in combating modern slavery, a crime that affects millions worldwide. With South Africa and Brazil as key emerging economies, the downgrades could impact diplomatic ties and aid, though Trump’s team has downplayed rights concerns when dealing with allies. This article explores the report’s key findings on Brazil and South Africa, the reasons for the downgrades, comparisons to previous years, government responses, broader implications for US foreign policy, and calls for urgent reforms in the fight against trafficking.
Key Findings: Insufficient Efforts Lead to Watchlist Placement
The US State Department report categorises countries into tiers based on their compliance with minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Both Brazil and South Africa were placed on Tier 2 Watch List, indicating they do not fully meet these standards and are not making significant efforts to do so, with a risk of further downgrade if improvements stall.
For South Africa, the report notes that “the government identified fewer victims, investigated fewer cases and initiated fewer prosecutions.” It highlights issues like corruption among border officials facilitating trafficking, inadequate screening of vulnerable populations such as migrants and refugees, and limited services for male and child victims. The country is a source, transit, and destination for sex and labour trafficking, with organised crime groups exploiting victims in forced criminality like drug dealing and begging. Efforts to address official complicity were minimal, with no prosecutions of implicated officials reported.
Brazil faced similar criticism: “In Brazil, the government has completed no prosecutions under a 2016 anti-trafficking statute, despite what the report said were estimates of tens of thousands of trafficking victims in Brazil.” The report points to forced labour in remote areas and informal sectors, with vulnerable groups like Afro-descendants, indigenous people, and migrants at high risk. Weak labour inspections and limited victim protection, especially for men and boys, were flagged, along with official complicity in protecting brothels and operations.
These concerns reflect broader regional issues, including the exploitation of migrants and children, and the use of coercive methods that hinder justice.
Reasons for Downgrades: Persistent Gaps in Prosecution and Protection
The downgrades stem from a lack of progress in key areas. For South Africa, this marks a continued slide, having been on Tier 2 Watch List since 2023 due to declining efforts in prosecutions and victim services. The report criticises underfunded labour inspectorates and disjointed interagency coordination, which allow trafficking to thrive in sectors like agriculture and mining. Official complicity, particularly at borders, enables transnational networks to operate with impunity.
Brazil, previously on Tier 2, saw a downgrade for uneven implementation of laws, with stronger focus on sex trafficking but weaker action on labour exploitation. The absence of convictions under the 2016 statute, despite increased funding for services, signals gaps in training for judges and law enforcement. Both nations struggle with misidentification of victims, often conflating trafficking with other crimes, leading to underreporting.
Compared to 2024, South Africa’s Watch List status persists due to minimal improvements, while Brazil’s drop reflects stalled prosecutions amid estimates of widespread victims. The report urges both to ramp up screenings, protect marginalised groups, and prosecute complicit officials.
Government Responses: Efforts Amid Criticism
South African officials have acknowledged challenges but highlighted steps like increased convictions (11 in 2023, down from 14) and victim identification. However, the report notes inadequate shelters and services, especially in rural areas. Brazil reported convicting 45 traffickers (up from 38) and boosting awareness campaigns, but labour efforts lag behind sex trafficking focus.
Trump’s administration has signalled a softer stance on rights with allies, prioritising trade and security over criticism. This contrasts with harsher views on adversaries like Venezuela and China, which stayed on Tier 3. For Brazil, ties to former President Jair Bolsonaro—an ideological ally of Trump—may soften impacts, while South Africa’s stance on issues like white farmers has drawn Trump’s ire.
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