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.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
25 November 2022
Our second Annual General Meeting, coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this occasion, the Commonwealth 8.7 Network released this joint statement calling upon leaders of member nations to redouble their efforts to create a safer Commonwealth for women and girls.
We network members, at the Network’s second Annual General Meeting on Friday, 25 November, announced support for this year’s theme, ‘UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls’, and called upon Network colleagues as well as governments, the private sector, other civil society organisations, and other actors across the Commonwealth to work together towards the eradication of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).