The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Siobhán Mullally, will conduct an assessment in Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024. She will evaluate challenges related to the prevention of trafficking and protection of victims’ rights, focusing on child trafficking, forced begging, and sexual exploitation. Meetings are scheduled with various stakeholders, and a report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
GENEVA – The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, Siobhán Mullally, is scheduled to visit Guinea-Bissau from November 4 to 14, 2024. Her visit aims to address critical challenges surrounding the prevention of trafficking and the safeguarding of victims’ human rights. Throughout her assessment, Mullally intends to investigate the risks and prevalence of trafficking, especially in the post-conflict context and during peace-building efforts. Key areas of focus will include the risks associated with child trafficking, specifically regarding forced begging and child marriage, as well as assessing the gender-related dimensions of trafficking for purposes such as sexual exploitation and forced labor. Throughout her visit, which will encompass locations including Bissau, Bafata, Cambadju, and Gabú, Mullally will engage with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Government, UN officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, survivors, and development partners. The Special Rapporteur is set to hold a press conference at 10:00 local time on November 14, at the Hotel Ceiba in Bissau, with access strictly limited to journalists. Subsequently, she will present her comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
Trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, poses significant challenges globally, with particular concern in regions recovering from conflict or transitions. The UN’s Special Procedures, which include independent experts such as the Special Rapporteur on trafficking, serve to investigate, monitor, and provide recommendations on human rights issues worldwide. Siobhán Mullally’s upcoming visit to Guinea-Bissau is a concerted effort to evaluate and mitigate these challenges, especially in contexts such as forced begging, child marriage, and sexual exploitation. The role of the Special Rapporteur is vital as they operate independently, collecting data and insights to inform the international community and drive improvements in human rights protection.
In summary, Siobhán Mullally’s forthcoming visit to Guinea-Bissau is integral to addressing the persistent issue of trafficking in persons, notably focusing on women and children. By engaging with various stakeholders, she aims to assess the gravity of the situation, with the intent to formulate actionable recommendations for mitigating these human rights violations. Her insights will subsequently be presented to the UN Human Rights Council, further highlighting the need for international attention and intervention in trafficking-related issues.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
