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.
The 46th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
2 March 2021, Geneva
CHRI delivered a video oral statement in the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale and exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and any other child sexual abuse material (Agenda Item 3) at the 46th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. CHRI was amongst the ten civil society organisations that made a video or an in-person intervention during the interactive dialogue, following the presentation by Special Rapporteur, Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, of her report addressing the impact of coronavirus disease on different manifestations of sale and sexual exploitation of children.
The statement, delivered by Mr. Richard Hydes, welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report highlighting the impact of coronavirus-related school closures increasing the vulnerability of children to exploitation both on- and off-line. CHRI also highlighted gaps in states’ legislation, presenting data showing that only fifty seven percent and seventy percent of Commonwealth countries have criminalised child prostitution and pornography, respectively. CHRI urged states to take concerted action to bring domestic laws in line with international standards, and to continue to collaborate with civil society to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Targets 8.7 and 16.2.
Watch the video below: