UN Expert to Assess Human Trafficking in Guinea-Bissau
Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024, to evaluate the challenges of preventing human trafficking and protecting victims’ rights. Her assessment will focus on the trafficking of women and children, specifically addressing issues related to forced begging, child marriage, and gender-based exploitation. Meetings with government officials and civil society are planned, culminating in a press conference and a report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, is scheduled to visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. This visit aims to critically engage with the pressing issues surrounding human trafficking in the country. Ms. Mullally’s examination will focus on identifying the primary obstacles hindering effective prevention of trafficking and safeguarding the human rights of victims within Guinea-Bissau. During her assessment, she will investigate the risk factors and prevalence of human trafficking in the contexts of transitions and post-conflict peace-building. Specific attention will be given to the trafficking of children concerning forced begging and child marriage, as well as the gendered aspects of trafficking that involve sexual exploitation and forced labor. Furthermore, Ms. Mullally intends to explore the efficacy of existing remedies for victims. Her itinerary includes meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society groups, human rights advocates, and survivors of trafficking, across several locations including Bissau, Bafata, Cambadju, and Gabú. A press conference is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, where Ms. Mullally will provide an overview of her findings. Attendance will be strictly limited to accredited journalists. Ms. Mullally will subsequently present her comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
Human trafficking remains a critical issue in many parts of the world, including Guinea-Bissau, where vulnerabilities stemming from socio-economic challenges, post-conflict realities, and cultural practices contribute significantly to the risks faced by individuals, particularly women and children. The UN Special Rapporteur’s visit underscores an international commitment to address these heinous practices and to uphold human rights, as well as to foster accountability and support for victims. Guinea-Bissau’s historical context of political instability further complicates efforts to combat trafficking, necessitating a thorough investigation of the systemic issues at play.
In conclusion, the visit of the Special Rapporteur Ms. Siobhán Mullally to Guinea-Bissau represents a pivotal moment for assessing and addressing the grave issues of human trafficking, particularly in light of the protection of vulnerable populations including women and children. By engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, Ms. Mullally aims to produce valuable insights that will inform future policies and actions to enhance human rights protections against trafficking in this West African nation.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
