UN Expert to Conduct Assessment on Trafficking in Guinea-Bissau
Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024, to assess the challenges in preventing trafficking and protecting victims’ rights. She will engage with government and civil society representatives, focusing on issues like child trafficking and gender-related trafficking for sexual exploitation. A press conference will be held on November 14, with findings presented 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 set to conduct an assessment mission in Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During this period, she will investigate the primary obstacles to the effective prevention of trafficking and the safeguarding of the human rights of its victims. Mullally aims to evaluate the risk factors and prevalence of trafficking in persons, particularly in the context of managing transitions and building sustainable peace after conflict. She will delve into the trafficking risks faced by children, especially in relation to forced begging and child marriage. Furthermore, she intends to analyze the gender-related aspects of trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labor, while also seeking effective remedies for affected individuals. Throughout her visit, Ms. Mullally will engage with key stakeholders, including representatives from the government, UN officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, survivors, and developmental partners. A press conference is scheduled for November 14 at 10:00 AM local time at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, with access exclusively for journalists. She will present her findings in a report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025. Notably, the Special Rapporteurs fall under the umbrella of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, which is an extensive body consisting of independent experts addressing various thematic issues or country-specific situations globally. It is important to acknowledge that these experts operate on a voluntary basis and are independent of any government or organization. For additional information and media inquiries, interested parties can contact Ms. Clara Pascual de Vargas via email. Media queries concerning other UN independent experts can be directed to Dharisha Indraguptha or John Newland at their respective email addresses. News regarding the UN’s independent human rights experts can also be followed on X via the handle @UN_SPExperts.
Trafficking in persons remains a critical global issue, particularly affecting vulnerable demographics such as women and children. Guinea-Bissau, a nation recovering from conflict, presents unique challenges regarding human rights and trafficking. The assessment by Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally aims to explore these challenges comprehensively and propose measures for strengthening the prevention of trafficking and protection of victims’ rights. As part of her investigatory duties, the Rapporteur will also seek to understand socio-cultural factors contributing to trafficking dynamics in the region. The work of the Special Rapporteur is crucial in the international effort to combat human trafficking and foster human rights protections. Her report will contribute to ongoing discussions at the UN Human Rights Council, which prioritizes the protection and promotion of human rights globally.
In conclusion, Ms. Siobhán Mullally’s forthcoming visit to Guinea-Bissau represents a vital step in the global efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly focusing on women and children. By engaging with various stakeholders and assessing the specific risks and challenges faced in Guinea-Bissau, she aims to provide actionable recommendations to improve the situation regarding human rights and protection of trafficking victims. Her comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025 will be pivotal in influencing policy and advocacy related to trafficking issues both nationally and internationally.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
