"Brazil: Ensure Implementation of Forced Labor Settlement with BYD", Climate Rights International, 9 Jan 2026

Brazilian authorities should ensure full implementation of a December 26, 2025 civil settlement over cases of forced labor involving Chinese workers at BYD’s electric vehicle factory in Bahia state, Climate Rights International said today.

“BYD and its contractors should publicly confirm, with independent verification, that all affected workers have received the payments to which they are entitled under the settlement,” [...]. “The Brazilian authorities should carefully monitor the compensation process to ensure all payments are made.”

Climate Rights International called on the Brazilian authorities to investigate recent complaints by Brazilian workers at the same BYD factory, Climate Rights International said. [...]

“The willingness of Brazilian authorities to hold BYD accountable for exploitation of workers is a positive signal that no company is above the law and that the transition to renewable energy cannot be built on abuses of worker rights,” [...]. “The credibility of that message now depends on strict enforcement and protection for all workers, regardless of nationality.”