Statement - Greece With regard to the ID with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences

With regard to the ID with  the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences
Mrs. Gulnara Shahinian
September 12, 2013 (15 :00-18 :00)


Thank you Madam President,

Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU.

Allow me to thank both Special Rapporteurs for their comprehensive reports to the Human Rights Council and especially the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Mrs. Gulnara Shahinian. We welcome the focus of her report on challenges and lessons learnt in combatting slavery. 

Greece calls on all countries to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the framework of efforts done to eradicate this phenomenon which unfortunately exists for thousands of years.

Greece is highly alarmed by the high number of victims of various forms of slavery and, despite the current budgetary restraints, has decided to contribute 20.000 euros to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on contemporary forms of slavery.

Mrs. Shahinian, what is the current trend, at country level, on a global scale, regarding the adoption of legislative and policy measures that will combat effectively contemporary forms of slavery?  

In your report, you, also, make certain recommendations to businesses. From your experience, have businesses started moving towards taking action against this phenomenon?

Finally, we would like to point out that, since her appointment, Mrs. Gulnara Shahinian has engaged in extensive activities and has undertaken many country visits thus fulfilling, to the maximum, the requirements of her mandate.

Thank you Madam President