Ms. Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4-14, 2024. She will investigate challenges in preventing trafficking and protecting victims’ rights, focusing on children, gender-specific issues, and forced labor. Meetings with government and civil society will aid in her assessment, culminating in a report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly focusing on women and children, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, is scheduled to visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During her visit, Ms. Mullally will scrutinize the significant challenges faced in preventing human trafficking and the protection of victims’ human rights. She intends to investigate the risks and prevalence of such trafficking, particularly in contexts shaped by transitions and post-conflict peace-building efforts. Her assessment will highlight the trafficking of children linked to forced begging and child marriage, while also addressing the gender-specific aspects of trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labor, along with exploring effective remedies for victims. Throughout her tour, Ms. Mullally will engage with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Government of Guinea-Bissau, UN officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, survivors of trafficking, and development partners. A press conference is scheduled for 10:00 AM local time on Thursday, November 14, at Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, where access will be granted only to journalists. Following her visit, Ms. Mullally will present her findings to the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2025.
Human trafficking remains a severe violation of human rights, affecting millions around the world, with an alarming impact on women and children. The United Nations has appointed Special Rapporteurs to address various aspects of this issue globally. Ms. Siobhán Mullally’s role entails evaluating the prevalence of trafficking and the effectiveness of current protective measures in various contexts, including regions affected by conflict and instability. Guinea-Bissau, as a country undergoing transitions, presents unique challenges and risks associated with human trafficking, making Ms. Mullally’s upcoming visit critical in understanding and addressing these issues.
In summary, the forthcoming visit of Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally to Guinea-Bissau is a pivotal step towards addressing the pressing issues of human trafficking in the region. By engaging with various stakeholders and assessing specific risks related to trafficking, particularly among vulnerable populations, Ms. Mullally aims to lay a foundation for improved prevention strategies and protective measures for victims. Her findings are anticipated with great interest and will contribute to the ongoing discourse at the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
