AFLEX: listening, guiding, and fighting for your rights worldwide.
We Are Here to Help – You Are Not Alone
At AFLEX, we understand that working abroad for the Brazilian Government, regardless of the ministry, often involves complex challenges, especially with regard to labor rights and protection guarantees.
Whether dealing with contractual insecurity, workplace harassment, wrongful termination, or simply seeking clarity about your legal situation, you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to support you, offering practical guidance and sharing the knowledge and experiences we have accumulated over the years while facing a wide variety of professional challenges.
You Deserve Support, No Matter Where You Are
The Brazilian Government’s Locally Employed Staff (LES), who work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worldwide, are essential to Brazil’s global operations but still face unequal treatment, limited protections, and uncertainties.
Although support structures vary depending on the country in which we are working, our unquestionable connection with the Brazilian State gives us access to public bodies committed to defending our rights.
Below, you will find law firms and key organizations that can offer legal assistance, investigate misconduct, and support your claim.
Where Trusted Legal Support Has Already Been Provided
LES around the world have shared with AFLEX their positive experiences with the professionals and legal firms listed below. These are trusted partners to whom they entrusted their cases in the pursuit of labour justice, achieving meaningful outcomes. Based on this track record of trust and effectiveness, we are making this information available so that other colleagues may also benefit from this knowledge and specialized support, should they wish to do so.
Fidelis Maya – in Brasilia
Dra. Lilian Maya – Email: lilianbfidelis@yahoo.com.br
Torreão Braz Advogados – in Brasilia and São Paulo
Key Brazilian Organizations that Can Help You
Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT) – [Labour Prosecutor’s Office]
Investigates and acts on violations of labour rights, including harassment, abuse of power, and unfair contracts.
Defensoria Pública da União (DPU) – [Federal Public Defender’s Office]
Provides free legal support to those in need, including Brazilian nationals working for the federal government abroad.
Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (MTE) – [Ministry of Labour]
Enforces labour rights and fair working conditions. While focused on Brazil, it can be alerted to patterns of abuse abroad.
Justiça do Trabalho – [Labour Court System]
Handles legal disputes involving employment contracts and harassment. Brazilian nationals abroad may file cases in Brazil under certain conditions. Get legal advice before proceeding.
Controladoria-Geral da União (CGU) – [Office of the Controller General]
Investigates misconduct and ethical violations in federal institutions.
Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) – [Federal Court of Accounts]
Audits public spending. Can investigate financial irregularities tied to LES contract mismanagement.
Ministério dos Direitos Humanos e da Cidadania – [Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship]
Receives reports of discrimination, labour injustice, and human rights violations.
Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship
Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB) – [Brazilian Lawyers National Association]
Can offer support through their Human Rights and Labour Commissions.
Still Unsure Where to Seek Help?
If you’re unsure where to turn for support, whether because there is no local trade union in your country of residence or because multiple organizations exist, but none are formally recognized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation where you work, please know that AFLEX is here to listen to your story.
As a collective of Locally Employed Staff (LES) who share similar circumstances and experiences, we understand the complexities you may be facing, and we are here to jointly help you identify the most relevant and informed support options available in your region of the world.
While we do not offer official legal advice, we can guide you towards trusted Brazilian institutions or connect you with legal professionals we have recently worked with other LES and who understand the nuances of LES-related issues.
Our aim is to ensure that you are not navigating this process alone and that you have access to the right information and resources to move forward with confidence.
No matter where you are in the world, you are not alone.
AFLEX exists to ensure that every Locally Employed Staff has somewhere to turn to, someone to listen to and a path forward.
Contact us. Every voice matter and every case counts.