2026 US Trafficking Report: Cape Verde Gains, Brazil Stalls
The United States State Department has released its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, revealing a stark contrast in how Lusophone nations are handling the global crisis of human exploitation. While Cape Verde earned praise for its progress, Brazil remains under scrutiny on the U.S. “watch list” due to systemic failures in prosecution and victim support.
Cape Verde Ascends to Tier 2
Cape Verde successfully moved off the “Tier 2 Watch List” this year, elevated to a standard “Tier 2” status. The State Department recognized the archipelago for making “significant efforts” to align with international standards for victim protection.
Key achievements noted in the report include the initiation of new judicial proceedings, the successful identification and referral of trafficking victims for assistance, and comprehensive training for law enforcement and border authorities. Despite these strides, the U.S. noted that Cape Verde has yet to secure a conviction for traffickers and urged the government to do more to combat potential official complicity.
Brazil Stagnates Under Legal Obstacles
In contrast, Brazil remains stuck on the watch list for the second consecutive year. The report criticized the South American giant for “inadequate” law enforcement actions, specifically highlighting a preference for civil litigation over criminal prosecution.
According to the State Department, Brazilian authorities often pursue labor exploitation cases in civil courts due to insufficient evidence collection. This practice results in administrative fines rather than prison sentences, which the U.S. argues “weakened the deterrent effect” against traffickers. Furthermore, the report highlighted a sluggish judicial system where trafficking cases take an average of 10 years to reach a verdict.
Victim support in Brazil also remains a critical concern, with less than half of registered victims receiving government assistance. The report further pointed to a “lack of adequate coordination” between federal and state authorities, particularly in addressing sexual exploitation.
Regional Overview
The 2026 report maintained several other Portuguese-speaking nations—including Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and Timor-Leste—at Tier 2 status. These countries are recognized as not yet meeting minimum standards but making significant efforts to do so. São Tomé and Príncipe was not included in the latest rankings.
The State Department’s annual report serves as a global benchmark, categorizing countries based on their effectiveness in preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators.
Image: Pexels – Anton Uniqueton
