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The Committee has referred to the comments made by the Latin American Central of Workers (CLAT), the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the International Federation of Plantation, Agricultural and Allied Workers (IFPAAW) and the Association of Labour Inspectors (AGITRA) of Brazil, alleging that, in various sectors of the rural economy and in mining thousands of workers, including minors, are subjected to forced labour and debt bondage, that hiring is conducted on the basis of false promises and that violence is used to retain or punish workers who attempt to escape.

The Committee notes that, by a communication of 10 February 1993, the Latin American Central of Workers (CLAT), referring to article 24 of the ILO Constitution, made a representation alleging non-observance by Brazil of Conventions Nos. 29 and 105. The Committee notes that at its 258th Session (November 1993) the Governing Body decided that the representation was receivable and set up a committee of the Governing Body to examine it. Consequently, the Committee is suspending examination of this matter, pending the conclusions of the above committee.