HRC57 – Interactive dialogue on the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57^and session

Interactive dialogue on the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

September 12, 2024

EU Declaration

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur and we reiterate our strong support for his mandate.

This year’s report on contemporary forms of slavery affecting prisoners provides disturbing information on the situation, where prison practices amount to violations of international human rights and labour standards. It is particularly alarming to read about sexual exploitation and intersecting forms of discrimination.

In Europe, the Council of Europe’s European Prison Rules state that “prison work should be approached as a positive element of the prison regime and should never be used as a punishment”. It is important that prisoners can choose the type of work they do, and the work offered is aimed at supporting prisoners’ ability to earn an income after their release.

In addition, the European Union is preparing a regulation on forced labour, which will ban all products produced using forced labour, including forced prison labour, on the Union market, regardless of their origin.

Mr Special Rapporteur,

Do you have specific recommendations or best practices to eliminate sexual exploitation in prisons?

I thank you.