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.
World Day Against Trafficking
The Commonwealth 8.7 Network recognises the important work that its members do every day to realise gender equality and women's empowerment. Every International Women's Day, we take the opportunity to raise awareness of women trapped in contemporary forms of slavery across the Commonwealth and acknowledge the role that gender plays in this issue.
30 July 2023
On ‘World Day against Trafficking in Persons’, members of the Commonwealth 8.7 Network united to reinforce their unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and to intensify their efforts to put an end to modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. A diverse array of voices, including activists and survivors of human trafficking from Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas and the Pacific underscored the urgent need for collective action to confront this grave violation of human rights.
Watch the video here.