UN Expert to Evaluate Human Trafficking in Guinea-Bissau

Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024, to examine the challenges in preventing trafficking and protecting victims’ rights. She will investigate risks, including those related to children and gender-based exploitation, and meet with various stakeholders. Mullally will present her findings to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.

GENEVA – Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons with a particular focus on women and children, is scheduled to undertake a visit to Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During this pivotal mission, she aims to investigate the primary obstacles to adequately preventing trafficking occurrences as well as safeguarding the human rights of victims of such crimes. In her examination, Mullally will assess the risks and prevalence of human trafficking within the framework of transitional governance and post-conflict peacebuilding initiatives. She will specifically investigate the threats associated with child trafficking in the context of forced begging and child marriage. Furthermore, she will explore the gender-related dimensions of trafficking, particularly concerning sexual exploitation and forced labor, and analyze the effectiveness of current remedial measures. Her itinerary includes meetings in the cities of Bissau, Bafata, Cambadju, and Gabú, where she will convene discussions with various stakeholders, including government representatives, UN officials, law enforcement personnel, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and survivors of trafficking. To conclude her visit, Mullally will host a press conference on Thursday, November 14, at 10:00 local time at Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, where journalists will be granted limited access. Following her mission, she is slated to present her findings in a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.

Human trafficking remains a critical global issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as women and children. Guinea-Bissau, a nation recovering from conflict and struggling with socio-economic challenges, is at risk of increased trafficking activities. The UN and various human rights organizations are working towards enhancing preventive measures and protections for victims. The assessment by the Special Rapporteur is integral in identifying the gaps in current strategies and ensuring that the rights and needs of victims are adequately addressed.

In conclusion, Siobhán Mullally’s visit to Guinea-Bissau underscores the urgent need to address the pressing issue of human trafficking in the region. Her investigations aim to illuminate the gaps in prevention and protection efforts that currently exist, particularly concerning vulnerable groups. The outcomes of her visit and subsequent report to the UN Human Rights Council are anticipated to inform the development of more effective policies and interventions to combat trafficking in persons.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com