Submission to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
15 March 2021
The Commonwealth 8.7 Network and CHRI submitted a joint response to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery’s call for inputs on the nexus between forced displacement and contemporary forms of slavery. The statement included input from 5 Network members representing Australia, Canada, Nigeria and Vanuatu. The response was published on the OHCHR website and will go on to inform the Special Rapporteur’s thematic report that will be presented at the 48th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The response addresses how the marginalisation and lack of protection afforded to displaced persons increases their vulnerability to contemporary forms of slavery. It also notes the employment challenges faced by displaced persons and how this increases their risk of exploitation. The response also highlights the heightened risk of displaced children and adolescents, particularly those who are unaccompanied.
About CHRI
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative is an independent,
non-governmental, non-profit organisation that works for the practical realisation of human rights.
From its headquarters in New Delhi and offices in London and Accra, it focuses on issues related to Access to Justice, Access to Information, and Contemporary Forms of Slavery and Human Trafficking.
CHRI’s London office supports global efforts towards the achievement of SDG 8.7 and the eradication of contemporary forms of slavery through evidence-based research, advocacy, knowledge sharing, network and capacity building.
In July 2019, CHRI launched the Commonwealth 8.7 Network and currently serves as its Secretariat, facilitating its day-to-day operations and coordinating network activities.
CHRI’s publications on contemporary forms of slavery include:
Creating an Effective Coalition to Achieve SDG 8.7 – CHRI’s report to the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which calls for Commonwealth States to take effective measures to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.
The Commonwealth Roadmap to SDG 8.7 - which presents an indicator framework, supplementing the Global Slavery Index to measure State progress towards the achievement of SDG 8.7.
As well as organising convenings and workshops to raise awareness of SDG 8.7 issues, CHRI also undertakes advocacy with Commonwealth States and at the United Nations, contributing to standard setting and policy development, ensuring that such processes reflect the realities of those on the frontlines, including survivors.
For more information on CHRI’s work to address contemporary forms of slavery
You can also visit CHRI’s website