UN expert visits the Philippines to examine situation of trafficked persons

United Nations Special Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo will carry out her first country visit to the Philippines from 5 to 9 November, to examine the situation of trafficked persons and the impact of anti-trafficking measures in the country. “I hope to hear and learn views of trafficked persons and other stakeholders to ensure a human rights-based approach to combating trafficking in persons, as part of my mandate to promote the respect for the human rights of trafficked persons,” said the independent expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to advocate the prevention of trafficking in persons in all its forms and to encourage measures to uphold and protect the human rights of victims. “I also look forward to discussing with the Government and all relevant authorities the achievements and challenges in their efforts to combat all forms of human trafficking in the country,” Ezeilo added. During her five-day mission, the rights expert will visit Manila and Zamboanga, where she will meet with representatives of various Government agencies and the judiciary, as well as members of international and civil society organizations, and victims of trafficking. On the margins of her official visit, the Special Rapporteur will also visit Cebu to meet with civil society organizations. The Special Rapporteur’s findings and recommendations will be presented in a report at a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.