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Intersessional seminar on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights

Background

In March 2021, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 46/11 on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights. In the resolution, the Council decided to convene a one-day intersessional seminar on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, to discuss challenges and best practices in this regard and to make recommendations, with the participation of States, the Advisory Committee and other relevant stakeholders. The same resolution requested the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights to conduct a new study, in connection with the previous relevant studies conducted by the mandate holder and the Advisory Committee, on a proposed non-binding set of practical guidelines for efficient asset recovery aiming at curbing the illicit transfer of funds and mitigating its negative effects on the enjoyment of human rights with a view to help requesting and requested States to strengthen their cooperation in this regard.

The intersessional seminar was held on Tuesday, 8 February 2022, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. Geneva time, in hybrid mode, in Palais des Nations, conference room XX/Zoom.

Statements and Written Submissions

Opening remarks:

SECTION 1

Panelists:

  • Mr. Junior Davis, Head, Policy Analysis and Research Branch, ALDC Division, UNCTAD
  • Mr. Shervin Majlessi, Chief, Conference Support Section, Corruption and Economic Crime Branch (UNODC/StAR)
  • Mr. Mounir Chedly, Director-General, Government Litigation at the Ministry of State Domains and Land Affairs, Tunisia
  • Ms. Bhumika Muchhala, Senior policy analyst on development economics, global governance and international political economy issues for the Third World Network

States:

NGOs:

SECTION 2

Panelists:

  • Ms. Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights
  • Mr. Dheerujlall Seetulsingh, Member of the Advisory Committee and Rapporteur of the study on utilizing non-repatriated illicit funds with a view to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Ms. Silvana Carrión Ordinola, Ad Hoc Public Prosecutor for the Odebrecht case and others, Peru
  • Mr. David Ugolor, Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)

States:

NGOs:

  • International Human Rights Council