Brazil's Labor Public Ministry has initiated 111 procedures concerning child labor in Mato Grosso in 2025, amid troubling statistics showing about 1.6 million children and adolescents affected by child labor in the country.
In the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, the Labor Public Ministry (MPT) has opened 111 procedures related to instances of child labor during the year 2025. This alarming figure comes in the context of broader national statistics provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), indicating that approximately 1.6 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 were engaged in child labor throughout Brazil in 2024. The ongoing child labor issue highlights significant social and economic challenges within the country.
Moreover, Mato Grosso has recorded several incidents categorized under "other worst forms of child labor" as defined by the TIP List (List of Worst Forms of Child Labor). This list comprises 93 activities deemed harmful to the health, safety, and morality of children and adolescents. Among the identified hazardous jobs in the state, 11 specific roles have been recognized as particularly risky or detrimental to the development of youth. Examples of these roles include agriculture, livestock, and forestry operations, which were associated with a reported ten cases.
The situation reflects a pressing need for intervention and reform, as child labor can severely impede the development and future opportunities for children. The MPT's responses aim to raise awareness and promote proactive measures against these violations. Addressing child labor is essential not only for improving individual lives but also for the societal growth and economic stability of the region, positioning communities to create a better future for their youth.
