HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONCLUDES INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON ARBITRARY DETENTION AND CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF SLAVERY

The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its interactive clustered dialogue with Seong-Phil Hong, Chairperson of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and Urmila Bhoola, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Hong agreed with those who raised the issue of reprisals against journalists and human rights defenders, adding that he was alarmed at the increase of such instances. More people were subjected to harsh treatment, disappearances, torture and in communicado detention. It was time to tackle the root causes of such cases. The elimination of arbitrary detention could only be achieved through international cooperation. He called for an in-depth study of the issue, which required urgent and consistent attention.

Ms. Bhoola stated that, relating to the question on efficiency of the international legislation to address forms of slavery in global supply chains, there was no universal law to regulate the responsibility of businesses. A smart mix of voluntary and regulatory measures would be most effective in mediating gross violations of human rights in global supply chains. States played a key role in that respect and had to determine the most appropriate legislative mechanisms.

Mr. Hong and Ms. Bhoola presented their reports on 14 September in the afternoon and a summary of their statements as well as statements by Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Belgium and Niger as concerned countries can been found here.

In the interactive dialogue on arbitrary detention, speakers stressed that special attention should be given to the protection of journalists and human rights defenders from arbitrary detention. Some speakers expressed regret that the Working Group’s draft Guidelines and Principles included controversial notions which were not universally agreed such as sexual orientation and gender identity, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights. One speaker said the usage of the term “arbitrary deprivation of freedom” should be further reconsidered and another suggested that the name of the Working Group be revised to Working Group on Arbitrary Deprivation of Liberty. The problem of arbitrary detentions continued to occur with full acuity in many regions of the world.

Concerning contemporary forms of slavery, speakers said that the effects of globalization and the practices implemented by certain transnational corporations in the labour market had led to a situation where the needs for cheap labour overrode the respect for human rights. The role of governments should not be considered in a vacuum as the business practices of companies and transnational corporations should also include human rights standards and due diligence within their business responsibility practices. It was vital that States in all regions increased their efforts to tackle the appalling scourge of contemporary forms of slavery. Some speakers were concerned about forced child labour as children were among those most vulnerable to worst forms of modern slavery and asked the Special Rapporteur about the best way to ensure the access of child victims of forced labour to various justice mechanisms.

In the discussion, European Union, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Algeria on behalf of the African Group, Brazil, Egypt, Norway, Morocco, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Portugal, Australia, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, China, United Nations Children’s Fund. Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Bahrain, Cuba, Republic of Korea, Philippines, United States, Holy See, Russian Federation, Chile, Iran, Venezuela, India, Switzerland, Tunisia, Fiji, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, South Africa, Ukraine, Greece, Denmark, Qatar, Bangladesh, Botswana, Ireland, El Salvador, France and Sudan took the floor.

The following civil society organizations also spoke: Canadian National Human Rights Commission, Al-Khoei Foundation, Article 19, Americans for Democracy Human Rights in Bahrain Inc, Defence for Children International, Allied Rainbow Communities International on behalf of International Lesbian and Gay Association, Franciscans International, Agence Internationale pour le Devéloppement , World Environment and Resources Council, International Commission of Jurists , United Schools International, Centre for Environment and Management Studies , International Service for Human Rights , France-Libertes , Mexican Commission for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights, and World Muslim Congress.

The Human Rights Council is holding a full day of meetings today. During its midday meeting, the Council will hold a clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

Clustered Interactive Dialogue on Arbitrary Detention and on Contemporary Forms of Slavery

European Union stressed that special attention should be given to the protection of journalists and human rights defenders from arbitrary detention and asked the Working Group how it planned to address this issue in its future work. The European Union asked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery about the legislative steps taken by States to end slavery in the supply chain that had proven most successful. Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed regret that the Working Group’s draft guidelines and principles included controversial notions which were not universally agreed such as sexual orientation and gender identity, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights. While primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights remained with States, transnational corporations must also be held accountable, since exploitation and desire for abnormal profits sometimes resulted in contemporary forms of slavery in supply chains. Algeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, encouraged the Working Group to continue its work, particularly by formulating the Guidelines which would assist States in preventing and eliminating any form of arbitrary detention. The effects of globalization and the practices implemented by certain transnational corporations in the labour market had led to a situation where the needs for cheap labour overrode the respect for human rights. Brazil said that reaching out to the victims of modern-day slavery was a challenge for public policies and asked the Special Rapporteur to further elaborate on the determination of criminal responsibility in view of the multiplicity of actors involved. Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to promote effective and timely custodial hearings to ensure that no one was subject to arbitrary detention, especially people in vulnerable situations.

Egypt took note of the crucial mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention but regretted that the detailed information provided by Egypt was not taken into consideration by the Working Group. The delegation was keen to know what information the decision in the annexe of the report had been based on. Norway reiterated its concern about a worsening pattern in all regions of the world of arbitrary detention, and sentencing and imprisonment of human rights defenders, including lawyers, journalists, as well as political opponents and individuals exercising their freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly or association. Morocco commended the activities of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and congratulated it for developing the Guidelines and Principles. It congratulated the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, and stated that Morocco had ratified the International Labour Organization Convention related to this matter. Sierra Leone noted with appreciation the Basic Principles and Guidelines on Remedies and Procedures which detailed methodologies for investigating reports of situations of arbitrary detention. Regarding the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Sierra Leone believed that the role of governments should not be considered in a vacuum as the business practices of companies and transnational corporations should also include human rights standards and due diligence within their business responsibility practices.

United Kingdom said that it was vital that States in all regions increased their efforts to tackle the appalling scourge of contemporary forms of slavery and asked the Special Rapporteur how she intended to cooperate with businesses to identify effective strategies of engaging the private sector to address slavery in supply chains. Nigeria remained concerned that 5.5 of the 20.9 million persons in forced labour were children and that as estimated five to 15 per cent of them were in the supply chain and called upon States to implement the applicable international framework for the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights. Portugal was concerned about forced child labour as children were among those most vulnerable to worst forms of modern slavery and asked the Special Rapporteur about the best way to ensure the access of child victims of forced labour to various justice mechanisms. Australia said it had comprehensively criminalized human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices and had released its five-year National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery in December 2014.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta underlined the important issue of unbalanced concentration of wealth and the huge difference of labour costs as a major cause of slave labour nowadays, as well as the incorporation of gender perspective of certain religious and cultural aspects that contributed to the vulnerability of certain groups with respect to contemporary forms of slavery. There should also be an increase of awareness of the importance of responsible consumers as a pressure group. China emphasized that it was opposed to any unlawful and arbitrary detention. Its laws provided strict provisions on arbitrary detention. It added that the Working Group should respect individual countries’ social contexts and legal systems. It also stated that the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery should pay more attention to the history of slavery.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) voiced concern over the use of compulsory detention in some countries for children who were victims of sexual exploitation, those who lived on the streets, or those detained for drug abuse. In that respect it drew attention to the Children’s Rights and Business Principles developed and launched by UNICEF, the United Nations Global Compact and Save the Children in 2012. Algeria noted that the prime responsibility was on States to combat contemporary forms of slavery in supply chains. Victims should have effective access to justice and reparations. The usage of the term “arbitrary deprivation of freedom” should be further reconsidered.

Saudi Arabia thanked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, and said that it had ratified the conventions related to this area as well as adopted a strategy to fight contemporary forms of slavery and set up call centres in different languages. Poland commended the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on its report which clearly showed that the problem of arbitrary detentions continued to occur with full acuity in many regions of the world. Bahrain said that the report by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called on all States to resolve cases of arbitrary detention by releasing persons involved, offering them compensation and ensuring their right to appear before a court. Bahrain had responded to all the communications from the Working Group in 2013 and 2014. Cuba thanked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and inquired whether a legally binding mechanism on companies on human rights would achieve improvements in this respect. On arbitrary detention, Cuba regretted that the naval base in Guantanamo Bay was under control of the United States although the Cuban Government had been claiming this area since 1959.

Republic of Korea agreed with the Working Group on the need to explore the principles of proportionality applied to the broader area of deprivation of liberty and that Member States could build a framework for the prohibition of all forms of arbitrary detention. The Republic of Korea asked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery to elaborate on how to build the capacity of States’ institutional frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, including the labour inspectorates, the judiciary and the prosecution, particularly in the informal economy. Philippines requested the Council to revise the name of the Working Group to Working Group on Arbitrary Deprivation of Liberty. The global nature of the supply chains of transnational corporations had created opportunities for cheapest sources of materials and labour, often in slavery-like conditions, especially among people most vulnerable to exploitation such as minorities, migrants, women and children. United States strongly condemned arbitrary detention which was undemocratic and against the rule of law and asked the Working Group what it was doing to address the increasing detention of individuals based on their exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It asked the Special Rapporteur about the role of survivors of contemporary forms of slavery in the supply chain. Holy See called attention to other forms of slavery, such as minors forced into prostitution or sex slavery, women forced into marriages or bequeathed to relatives of their dead husbands without consent, and the many persons made objects of trafficking for the sale of organs, for recruitment as soldiers, for begging, and for other illegal activities. The international community must overcome the “globalization of indifference” to their plight.

Russian Federation drew the attention of the Working Group to the alarming situation in Ukraine, including the arbitrary detention of journalists and the gross violations of due procedures. As for modern forms of slavery, it stressed that in order to enhance anti-slavery efforts, there was a need to pay closer attention to terrorists’ abduction and trafficking of women and children as a source of revenue. Chile valued the emphasis of the Special Rapporteur on multinational companies and the relevance of extraterritorial application of legislation on human rights. The root causes of slavery should be addressed through the prism of sustainable development. As for arbitrary detention, Chile valued the Working Group’s efforts to systematize principles for court review of arbitrary detention, and it asked about the major risks that migrants and refugees faced in that respect. Iran expressed reservation about the use of controversial and misguided concepts, such as sexual orientation and gender identity, when discussing arbitrary detention. The Working Group should remain focused on long established values and principles, and universally accepted human rights, respecting different cultures. As for modern forms of slavery, Iran raised the issue of the rights of immigrants in Europe to access jobs. Venezuela criticized the Working Group’s reference to the case of Judge Afiuni Mora, noting that it continued to lie that the Government detained her as a measure of reprisal. Such unfounded allegations seriously undermined the objectivity and legitimacy of the Working Group. Its partiality against Venezuela was alarming as it could not be proven that the Government approved of impunity.

India thanked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and said that there was nothing modern in contemporary forms of slavery, as the underlying causes were rooted in complex socio-economic realities. The focus had to be on root causes. Switzerland thanked the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention but stated that the scope of the Guidelines was too broad and went beyond international standards. In addition, the distinction between the State obligations and the non-legally binding engagements was not sufficiently clear. Tunisia welcomed the report and the basic Principles and Guidelines introduced by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, stating that it had revised its legislation on the use and trafficking of stupefying drugs, and encouraged the Council to undertake a profound analysis on arbitrary detention as a consequence of policies against drugs. It also thanked the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and noted with interest the topic that she had chosen, namely means to make States and enterprises honour their obligations and prevent contemporary forms of slavery in supply chains. Fiji acknowledged the recommendations by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery in relation to modern slavery practices, including trafficking, domestic servitude and forced child labour, and stated that the word exploitation had to carry with it a fault element: the definition of exploitation had to be objective.

State of Palestine said that since 1967, Israel had detained and imprisoned over 850,000 Palestinians in one of the most striking examples of mass imprisonment in contemporary history; today, there were 6,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including more than 400 administrative detainees. All those prisoners were arbitrarily held. Kyrgyzstan said it was focused on the reform of the judiciary; it had set up the Council on Judicial Reform attached to the President, and was set to adopt a number of new legal acts. Mauritania said it had adopted a law establishing a national preventive mechanism in order to further strengthen the inspection of places of detention and deprivation of liberty. Public policies must focus not only on punishment but on prevention of contemporary forms of slavery and assistance to victims. South Africa said that since the Basic Principles and Guidelines on Remedies promoted by the Working Group were not legally binding on States, they should be complemented by corresponding measures in national legislation. South Africa expressed support for the creation of a legal framework to address the impunity for human rights violations committed by transnational corporations and other business enterprises and provide legal protection to victims, including victims of contemporary forms of slavery.

Ukraine supported the development of clear guidelines for court reviews of cases of arbitrary detention. It noted that Russian subversive activities in the southeast of Ukraine had undermined the state of human rights. Numerous violations, such as arbitrary detention, were perpetrated by Russian armed forces. Ukraine called on the Russian Federation to release all arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens in that country. Greece commended the Special Rapporteur for her work on the responsibility of multinational corporations in eliminating modern forms of slavery. It warned that ISIL terrorists perpetuated contemporary forms of slavery through the abduction of women and children. It was noted that despite current budgetary constraints, Greece had contributed funds for the elimination of slavery. Denmark strongly condemned arbitrary detention and welcomed the work of the Working Group, in particular its drafting of Principles and Guidelines for court reviews of arbitrary detention. As for modern forms of slavery, it asked the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on the type of dialogue she would engage in with multinational businesses. Qatar attached particular attention to the respect for human rights by companies working in Qatar. The Government also took measures to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Businesses and Human Rights, and it was willing to provide support and cooperation at the international level in order to stamp out the practice of modern slavery.

Bangladesh stated that some areas in the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery lacked clear understanding of the issue; an adequate emphasis on addressing poverty and development could not be overlooked, and economic growth and inclusive development were key to addressing the situation. Senegal was pleased to note that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had initiated a Task Force to improve its procedures and work methods, and encouraged the Working Group’s cooperation with States. Regarding the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Senegal saluted the accent on the political and legal framework to ensure that enterprises respected human rights. Gabon commended the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and reiterated its concern regarding the phenomenon of child exploitation and forced child begging practices: to stamp out this scourge Gabon had ratified the relevant International Labour Organization conventions. Costa Rica reiterated its profound concern regarding a detention case in Nicaragua, and hoped that the Working Group and the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council would promptly intervene in this case.

Botswana stressed that arbitrary detention was outlawed in international law and urged States to look for more effective ways of controlling drug related crimes, in conformity with their obligations under international law. Botswana said that a lot still needed to be done by States and the international community to close the gaps in combatting slavery and called for universal ratification of international instruments prohibiting slavery and slavery-like practices. Ireland supported the Working Group’s draft Guidelines and Principles but was concerned that they might be too detailed in some parts. The United Nations Guiding Principles for Businesses and Human Rights provided a good framework to address the issue of contemporary forms of slavery and the elaboration of national action plans. Ireland asked the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on the effective initiatives on enhancing dialogue with civil society. El Salvador agreed with the Special Rapporteur on the need to work further on closing legal gaps in relation to contemporary forms of slavery and said that a comprehensive system of protection for human rights for victims of slavery and trafficking in persons was needed. France commended the considerable investigative work undertaken by the Working Group and called upon all States to cooperate with the Working Group, including responding to its urgent appeals and requests for visits. Sudan noted that the protection and respect for human rights was the ultimate aim of the Sudanese Government. Its commitment to the rights of persons deprived of freedom was reflected in the articles of the Constitution. Any person under arrest or in detention had to appear before a court to determine the legality of the arrest. In case the arrest was made on unfounded grounds, release had to be granted.

Canadian National Human Rights Commission noted that thousands of migrants were detained in Canada every year. The majority were not detained for past crimes. Those cases of detention had a grave effect on mental health. Such detention had to be shown to be truly necessary. The Commission urged the Government of Canada to adopt the Principles and Guidelines developed by the Working Group, and apply them, especially to migrants, asylum seeks and refugees. Al-Khoei Foundation drew the attention of the Council to the problem of women enslaved and traded by terrorist groups in parts of Iraq, Syria and Nigeria. They were left with grave mental and physical consequences. It called for the Council to call for the release of women and children in captivity. It also urged Bahrain to release all political prisoners and to ensure that minors were free from arbitrary arrest and torture. Article 19 - International Centre Against Censorship, called attention to the unlawful detention of persons in Iran, and urged the Council and all States to support the call for their release. Iran had repeatedly violated international standards and laws on arbitrary detention. The holding of journalists and political opponents by Iran as a means for political leverage was not acceptable.

Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain Inc, expressed its concern regarding the four individuals and 31 minors detained in Bahrain and inquired whether these issues were seen by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention as systematic in Bahrain. It also raised concern regarding the 94 individuals detained in the United Arab Emirates and the abuse in Qatar of the migrant population leading up to the 2022 World Cup. Defence for Children International commended the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. However, it remained concerned that children continued to be deprived of liberty without having their procedural rights guaranteed. In many cases, deprivation of liberty remained a first option, rather than a last resort. Allied Rainbow Communities International, in a joint statement with International Lesbian and Gay Association, stated that sex workers continued to face arbitrary detention and urged States to take the issue of arbitrary detention of liberty seriously and ensure its incorporation in domestic law. Franciscans International drew the Council’s attention to the record number of arbitrary arrests in West Papua, Indonesia this year. In the first seven months of 2015 alone, 689 people had been arbitrarily detained, and this was an 86 per cent increase to the previous year and the highest since records began.

Agence Internationale pour le Développement expressed support for the recommendation contained in the Working Group’s report and requested it to focus on the abuse of the rights of people under foreign occupation, including in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir where illegal and arbitrary detentions were part of routine life. World Environment and Resources Council (WERC) said that the ban on arbitrary detention was enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; nevertheless in Pakistan the situation was grim as citizens were subjected to arbitrary detention by the Army and preventative detention featured prominently in its Constitution.

International Commission of Jurists welcomed the elaboration of the Basic Principles and Guidelines for court review of arbitrary detention. It expressed hope that they would prevent Governments from depriving people of liberty solely for exercising freedoms of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, thought, conscience and religion, or on the basis of discrimination. United Schools International warned that countries such as Pakistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as terrorist organizations like ISIS, had no respect for personal liberty and that they resorted to arbitrary detention as a tool to silence any form of dissent. The international community should publicly condemn the violations of human rights committed by those countries and terrorist organizations.
Center for Environmental and Management Studies reminded that arbitrary detention should be prohibited, as recognized in all international and regional human rights instruments. Nevertheless, arbitrary detention was a regular practice by Pakistan, it warned and called for the increased attention of the Council in that respect. International Service for Human Rights noted that human rights defenders often faced arbitrary detention for the expression of their views. It called the attention of the Council to the cases of arbitrary detention in China, where several civil rights lawyers had been arrested and held without trial.

France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand underlined the recommendations of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention related to points 80, 81, and 82, and raised the Working Group’s report on its visit to Morocco and Western Sahara which it had presented one year ago, and whose recommendations, according to France-Libertes, had not been followed, especially with regards to Western Sahara. Comisión Mexicana de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, Asociación Civil, in a joint statement with Association for the Prevention of Torture noted some improvements in the criminal justice system through a 2008 amendment to the Penal Code. Unfortunately, however, this reform also introduced a concept, the arraigo, used for investigative practices, but which was a form of arbitrary detention contrary to the presumption of innocence and international commitments of Mexico. Arbitrary detention was consistently used in criminal investigations and in 2014 more than 2,500 people had been detained under this procedure, while very few were later convicted. World Muslim Congress accused India of using a law on public order as a tool to keep away human rights activists and arbitrarily detain youth in Jammu and Kashmir for up to two years, without due process of the law.

Concluding Remarks

SEONG-PHIL HONG, Chairperson of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, thanked the Council for all the comments, questions and concerns. He agreed with those who raised the issue of reprisals against journalists and human rights defenders. The Working Group was alarmed at the increase of instances such as deprivation of liberty resulting from exercising the right of expression. More people were subjected to harsh treatment, disappearances, torture and in communicado detention. It was time to tackle the root causes of such cases. Democracy would disappear without civil society. The Working Group tried to release and help people, and the numbers for 2014 proved its work and achievements. It issued 54 opinions and on average it spent 10 working days on each case. However, its work was limited because of the lack of personnel and resources. Mr. Hong appreciated the interest, comments and suggestions of States and civil organizations regarding the important matter of arbitrary detention. The elimination of arbitrary detention could only be achieved through international cooperation. He called for an in-depth study of the issue, which required urgent and consistent attention. There had to be an agreed framework of norms under which States and individuals could expect what kind of treatment they would be given. As for the suggestion that the term “arbitrary detention” did not cover all types of detention, Mr. Hong welcomed future proposals by State delegations, which could also result in the change in the title of the Working Group. As for enhancing cooperation with stakeholders, Mr. Hong clarified that urgent appeals were issued by the Working Group to save people. He pleaded with States to heed attention to them. He also clarified that country visits were not about finger-pointing. Rather, their aim was to foster dialogues and fruitful cooperation. With view to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Working Group, it was time to renew the pledge to eliminate arbitrary detention.

URMILA BHOOLA, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, thanked the delegations, international organizations and civil society for their participation in the dialogue about contemporary forms of slavery. She welcomed their support for the mandate and the constructive criticism. As for the question about the efficiency of the international legislation to address forms of slavery in global supply chains, she noted that there was no universal law to regulate the responsibility of businesses. A smart mix of voluntary and regulatory measures would be most effective in mediating gross violations of human rights in global supply chains. States were the repository of human rights and they bore the primary duty to safeguard human rights in the domain of trade and labour. The issue of continuing work of the intergovernmental group on legal accountability was an outcome that Ms. Bhoola eagerly awaited. All sectors of society had to comply with human rights standards. States again played a key role in that respect. As for criminal responsibility in global supply chains, States had to determine the most appropriate legislative mechanisms. Ms. Bhoola welcomed comments that drew her attention to traditional forms of slavery, particularly sexual slavery conducted by ISIS and other terrorist groups. That issue went beyond her mandate and was addressed by other Special Procedures. States had to ensure access to justice and remedy to victims. As for migrants, refugees and children, they particularly deserved attention because of their vulnerability to slavery. Both Governments and businesses should be held accountable. Law enforcement was the primary responsibility of Governments. A multi-stakeholder approach, which included businesses, labour unions and governments, such as the Fair Food and the International Cocoa Initiative, were important examples of preventing contemporary forms of slavery in a holistic manner. There was also a demand by consumers to focus on extraterritoriality to ensure that all levels of supply chains were covered by international human rights standards. Ending slavery was a particular imperative, and was becoming more so in light of continuing cases of slavery. Efforts had to be intensified to that end, in particular ensuring that labour standards and recruitment practices met international human rights standards.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC15/108E