By Isabelle Despicht / GICJ

Trafficking of persons remains a serious concern, particularly among migrant women, agricultural workers, and children.

On the 21st and 22nd of June 2022, the UN Human Rights Council held an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Siobhán Mullaly. In her report, she noted that temporary, seasonal and migrant workers faced an increased risk of exploitation and discrimination. In the presentation of her report, she underlined that despite the agricultural sector being recognised as an ''essential’’ service as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation for workers remained dire, and even more so for children, who face a heightened risk of being exposed to human trafficking. In the ensuing dialogue, various delegations such as Tadjikistan, Jordania, and the European Union took the floor to present their views on the matter. 

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur and her recommendations. We remain deeply concerned about the aggravating circumstances of migrants and workers and their increased risk of falling victim to exploitation. GICJ urgently calls on all states to ensure the ratification and implementation of international human rights labour standards, and for all relevant stakeholders to respect the principle of non-discrimination. We also call on states to take further action to inform workers about their rights and ensure that victims of abuse and trafficking have access to effective legal remedies. 

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