In a report presented to the Human Rights Council on June 28, Mullalyalso warned that restricting access to asylum and other forms of international protection could increase the risk of trafficking in persons, as individuals are pushed into dangerous and uncertain circumstances.
UN Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally pointed to limited access to education as among the reasons why refugees become vulnerable to human trafficking.
“Where the rights of refugees to freedom of movement, decent work, and access to education or training are limited, the risks of exploitation increase,” she said, urging states to solve the roots of the problem and ensure adequate protection of human trafficking victims.
In a report presented to the Human Rights Council on June 28, Mullalyalso warned that restricting access to asylum and other forms of international protection could increase the risk of trafficking in persons, as individuals are pushed into dangerous and uncertain circumstances.
She voiced concerns about states passing laws to battle trafficking that do not comply with international law.
The expert raised concerns over accelerated refugee status determination procedures, third-country transfers, and “push-backs” following interceptions at sea or land borders could undermine the states’ ability to fulfill their obligations to identify, assist, and protect victims of trafficking, and respect the principle of non-refoulment.
Mullaly also emphasized the need to expand safe and regular migration options, offer resettlement opportunities, and create other pathways for those with international protection needs. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring access to asylum and international protection to prevent trafficking and protect victims.
The UN expert noted that states with the highest numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons have limited capacity to protect or prevent human trafficking due to their precarious legal status. She added that stateless people are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to restricted access to civil documentation, education, employment, social protection, and freedom of movement.
Mullally reminded that unaccompanied and separated refugee children could face heightened risks of human trafficking. She stressed the duty of States to respect and protect their rights without discrimination.
