The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024, to evaluate the challenges surrounding human trafficking. She will examine risks associated with trafficking, particularly concerning children and gender-related aspects of exploitation. A press conference will follow her visit, and she will present her findings to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly focusing on women and children, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, is scheduled to undertake a significant visit to Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During this time, she aims to delve into the pressing issues surrounding human trafficking within the country, emphasizing the need for effective preventive measures and the safeguarding of the human rights of victims. Ms. Mullally’s assessment will address the risks and the current prevalence of human trafficking as they relate to transitional phases and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts. Moreover, she intends to particularly scrutinize the alarming instances of child trafficking in contexts of forced begging and child marriage. A critical focus will also be placed on the gender aspects associated with trafficking, especially in relation to sexual exploitation and forced labor, as well as the availability of adequate remedies for victims. Throughout her visit, Ms. Mullally plans to engage directly with various stakeholders, including government officials, members of law enforcement, civil society organizations, human rights proponents, survivors of trafficking, and international development partners. This multi-faceted approach seeks to create an inclusive dialogue aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of measures against trafficking in Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, a press conference will be held on November 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, where Ms. Mullally will discuss her findings. However, attendance will be confined to accredited journalists only. Following her visit, Ms. Mullally is expected to present her detailed report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025, outlining her findings and recommendations.
Human trafficking remains a critical issue globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as women and children. Guinea-Bissau has been identified as a country where such risks are prevalent, particularly in the aftermath of political instability and conflict. The role of the Special Rapporteur is instrumental in shedding light on these concerns and advocating for the protection of human rights practices. Through her investigations and stakeholder engagements, Ms. Siobhán Mullally aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation and suggest concrete methods for effective interventions in combating trafficking.
In summary, the upcoming visit of Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally to Guinea-Bissau represents a pivotal moment for addressing the critical issues surrounding human trafficking in the country. Through direct engagement with national and international stakeholders, the Rapporteur seeks to uncover the complexities of trafficking, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women and children. The insights gathered during this visit will form the basis of a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council, which may contribute significantly to future policy and action against trafficking in Guinea-Bissau and similar contexts.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
