IMADR's statement at 14 HRC (only submitted)

This statement was prepared for the clustered ID with SR on trafficking, but due to the limited number of NGO speakers who could take the floor it could not be orally presented.

IMADR Oral Statement, Human Rights Council 14th Session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with SR freedom of expression, SR extrajudicial execution, SR trafficking

Mr. President,
IMADR is pleased to welcome Ms. Joy Ezeilo and her second annual report as well as its addendums. We also would like to take this opportunity to express our support to Ms. Ezeilo’s efforts in the combat against trafficking in persons.
In recognition of the seriousness of the issue and dimension of trafficking in persons as well as complications in the combat against it, we fully support the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur promoting regional and sub-regional cooperation and mechanisms based on human rights-based and victim-centred approach. Therefore, we call for all the states, especially destination countries as well as receiving countries of migrants:
• to ratify all relevant international instruments, such as UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Palermo Protocol as well as the ICRMW;
• to adopt appropriate and comprehensive definition of trafficking and its victims, so that victims of trafficking are NOT identified and treated as offenders or criminals;
• to more effectively cooperate with all stakeholders including civil society actors;
• to develop regional and sub-regional cooperation as recommended by the Special Rapporteur;
• to recognise that trafficking is occurring for various types of labour exploitation and affects men and boys;
• to more effectively address root causes of trafficking;
• to protect victims of trafficking with a holistic approach providing comprehensive assistance to them including psychological, medical, social assistance in the native language, legal assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, and longer residence permit with work permit;

in this regard, all law enforcement officials must have a clear understanding of when a person should be considered and identified as a victim of trafficking.
Besides, with regard to Special Rapporteur’s visit to Japan, we also appreciate her thorough analysis of the situation and comprehensive and concrete recommendations to Japanese Government. We request the Japanese Government to take these recommendations seriously, and to engage in genuine combat against trafficking in persons including appropriate recognition and full protection of victims.
All efforts must be taken to combat trafficking. Nevertheless we reiterate that regional and sub-regional initiatives including laws and mechanisms to combat trafficking should respect international norms of human rights. In this regard we make special reference to SAARC Convention and the necessity to reformulate it’s framework to uphold human rights of the victim.
Thank you.

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