The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Siobhán Mullally, will visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4-14, 2024, to assess trafficking challenges and the rights of victims, especially women and children. Her visit will involve meetings with various stakeholders, culminating in a press conference on November 14. The insights gained will contribute to her report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
GENEVA – Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, is scheduled to conduct an official visit to Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to November 14, 2024. During her visit, she will address crucial aspects related to the prevention of trafficking and the protection of the human rights of victims. Ms. Mullally intends to investigate the challenges faced in combating trafficking, focusing on the risks associated with transitional contexts and post-conflict peacebuilding initiatives. A particular emphasis will be placed on the trafficking of children, addressing issues such as forced begging and child marriage. Furthermore, she will explore the gender-related dimensions of trafficking, notably in relation to sexual exploitation and forced labor, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing remedies for victims. Throughout her time in Guinea-Bissau, Ms. Mullally will engage with a variety of stakeholders including government representatives, law enforcement agencies, UN officials, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, survivors of trafficking, and development partners. On November 14, she will hold a press conference at 10:00 local time at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau; attendance will be strictly limited to journalists. Ms. Mullally is expected to present her findings and report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025, contributing vital insights into the ongoing challenges of trafficking in the region. Special Rapporteurs such as Ms. Mullally operate within the framework of what are termed the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. These experts provide independent monitoring and identify critical human rights concerns worldwide. Their roles are voluntary and independent of any governmental or organizational affiliations, allowing them to operate without remuneration or bias.
Trafficking in persons remains a pressing global issue, impacting the rights and safety of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The role of the Special Rapporteur includes the responsibility to evaluate and report on human rights issues related to trafficking and to advise on effective strategies to combat this violation. In contexts like Guinea-Bissau, where transitional governance and post-conflict recovery are at play, the dynamics of trafficking can become even more complex. The exploration of child trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation highlights the multifaceted nature of this human rights crisis. By engaging with local stakeholders, the Special Rapporteur’s visit aims to deepen understanding and formulate recommendations to address these urgent challenges.
In summary, the upcoming visit of Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally to Guinea-Bissau represents a critical opportunity to examine the complexities of trafficking in persons in a region undergoing significant transition. With a focus on vulnerable populations such as women and children, her findings are poised to inform the international community and contribute towards effective policy responses aimed at eradicating human trafficking and supporting survivors’ rights.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
