UN Expert to Evaluate Trafficking in Persons in Guinea-Bissau

The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Siobhán Mullally, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024, to assess the challenges of preventing trafficking and protecting victims, particularly in the context of children and gender-specific exploitation. Meetings with various stakeholders will be conducted, followed by a press conference and a report presentation to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.

The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, with particular emphasis 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 aims to assess the significant challenges related to the prevention of trafficking and the protection of victims’ human rights. Her evaluation will focus on the prevalence and risks associated with trafficking in persons amid transitional processes and post-conflict peace initiatives. A particular area of investigation will be the trafficking of children, especially in the contexts of forced begging and child marriage. Furthermore, Ms. Mullally will explore the gender-specific aspects of trafficking, particularly regarding sexual exploitation and forced labor, in addition to evaluating the adequacy of existing remedies for victims of trafficking. Ms. Mullally will visit several locations including Bissau, Bafata, Cambadju, and Gabú, where she will engage in discussions with representatives from the Government, the United Nations, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and survivors of trafficking. She is expected to hold a press conference at 10:00 AM local time on November 14, 2024, at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, with access limited exclusively to accredited journalists. The findings from her visit will be compiled into a report, which Ms. Mullally intends to present to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025. It is noteworthy that Special Rapporteurs, such as Ms. Mullally, operate within the framework of the Special Procedures established by the Human Rights Council, serving as independent experts. These mechanisms are not funded by the UN and are characterized by their autonomous nature, ensuring independence from governmental influences. For further insights and media inquiries, individuals may contact Ms. Clara Pascual de Vargas at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, while other media inquiries related to UN independent experts can be directed to Dharisha Indraguptha or John Newland.

Trafficking in persons remains a critical issue globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as women and children. The United Nations has established various bodies and mechanisms to address this humanitarian crisis, with Special Rapporteurs serving as independent experts who evaluate and report on specific situations and thematic issues related to human rights. The establishment of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons reflects the need for dedicated attention to the prevention of trafficking and the protection of victims’ rights, especially in contexts of socio-political instability and conflict, where the risks are typically exacerbated. Guinea-Bissau, having experienced periods of upheaval, presents a relevant case for urgent assessment of these issues.

Ms. Siobhán Mullally’s upcoming visit to Guinea-Bissau represents an essential step in addressing the pressing concerns related to trafficking in persons, particularly that of women and children. Through direct engagement with multiple stakeholders, including government officials and survivors, the Special Rapporteur aims to highlight the challenges faced in combatting trafficking and to propose effective measures for protection and remedy. Her findings will culminate in a report to the UN Human Rights Council, aiming to enhance international understanding and responses to this critical human rights issue.

Original Source: reliefweb.int