HRC45 - NB8 statement - Contemporary forms of slavery

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on

contemporary forms of slavery

16 September

Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

Madame President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and my own country Norway.

We would like to commend the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, for his commitment and dedication to fulfilling his mandate.

With COVID 19 we are now faced with an extraordinary situation. Human Rights are under pressure. In order to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we must make sure that we reach persons in the most marginalised and vulnerable situations, especially women and girls who make up seventy-one percent of victims of modern slavery. We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his latest report focusing on the Impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on contemporary forms of slavery and slavery-like practices. The report is an important tool in understanding our common challenges in the wake of the pandemic.

Madame President,

The fight against modern slavery is part of the fight against extreme poverty. To be able to address modern slavery effectively, collaboration between stakeholders are essential.  A key objective of the 2030 Agenda is to leave no one behind. We can only achieve this if Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms are respected and countries comply with their international obligations.

Special Rapporteur,

-         You are calling for a common, global anti-slavery strategy. Could you please elaborate the potential effect of such an agreement?

-         You are calling for more evidence-based and victim-centered research, data collection and analysis. How can States contribute to meet this need?

Thank youI