Combating contemporary slave labor in Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Slavery in Brazil, although formally abolished in 1888, still persists significantly in various regions, including Mato Grosso do Sul, as reported by anti-slavery operations in 2023. This issue was observed during internships at institutions such as the Tribunal Regional do Trabalho, o Ministério Público do Trabalho e o Ministério Público Federal, where a prevalence of the exploitation of indigenous and Paraguayan labor in the state was identified. The research, using a deductive approach, aims to analyze the structure of combating slavery in Mato Grosso do Sul, with an emphasis on human rights and the identification of local peculiarities, such as rural labor, the indigenous population, and the migration flow of Paraguayans. The study is based on a literature review of legal and academic sources, seeking to assess whether the legal tools employed in the state are adequate and effective in addressing this violation of rights. Historically, Mato Grosso do Sul has recorded the exploitation of indigenous and Paraguayan workers, often in situations of extreme vulnerability and food insecurity. The research points out that, although Brazil has robust normative instruments in both international and domestic law to combat slavery, their application has been insufficient. The problem is aggravated by deep social inequality and the capitalist economic system, which favors the exploitation of vulnerable labor. The insufficiency of inspections alone does not explain the continuation of slavery, as this practice is fueled by the lack of income distribution, access to education, and adequate accountability policies.