The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024, to assess challenges in preventing trafficking and protecting victims’ rights. She will investigate risks including child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Meetings with various stakeholders are planned, and a press conference will be held on November 14. The findings will be reported to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
GENEVA – Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly focusing on women and children, is scheduled to visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During her visit, she will assess the key challenges faced in preventing trafficking and safeguarding the human rights of victims. Her examination will include the risks and prevalence of human trafficking, particularly in the context of post-conflict peacebuilding and transitional phases. Ms. Mullally will pay special attention to child trafficking related to forced begging and child marriage, as well as the gender aspects associated with trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labor, in addition to evaluating available effective remedies. Throughout her stay in Bissau, as well as in Bafata, Cambadju, and Gabú, Ms. Mullally will engage with representatives from the government, UN officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, survivors of trafficking, and development partners. A press conference will be held at 10:00 local time on Thursday, November 14, at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, which will be open exclusively to journalists. Furthermore, Ms. Mullally is set to present her findings in a report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025. Special Rapporteurs operate under the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, which is a key framework comprised of independent experts addressing various human rights situations and thematic issues worldwide. These experts serve voluntarily, independent of any governmental body, and do not receive any form of remuneration for their contributions. For further information or media inquiries, please direct communications to Ms. Clara Pascual de Vargas at [email protected], or for other UN independent expert inquiries, contact Dharisha Indraguptha at [email protected] or John Newland at [email protected]. Stay informed about the UN’s independent human rights experts by following updates on X: @UN_SPExperts.
The issue of human trafficking, particularly concerning women and children, remains a significant challenge globally, with numerous individuals falling victim to these heinous acts. Special Rapporteurs, such as Siobhán Mullally, play a crucial role in investigating specific instances and thematic areas related to human rights violations. The visit to Guinea-Bissau is particularly pertinent given the country’s transitionary context and the ongoing efforts toward peacebuilding. Addressing risks such as child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced labor is critical in protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring justice for victims. The findings from this mission will contribute valuable insights to the upcoming report for the UN Human Rights Council and potentially influence future policies and practices in combating trafficking.
Ms. Siobhán Mullally’s impending visit to Guinea-Bissau underscores the urgent need to address the issue of trafficking in persons, especially among marginalized groups such as women and children. The Special Rapporteur’s comprehensive assessment of the risks and challenges inherent in human trafficking will help to illuminate areas requiring immediate intervention and remedy, thus contributing towards enhanced protection of human rights for victims. Her forthcoming report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025 will further emphasize the international community’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
