UN expert on human trafficking warns Uruguay of the “invisible phenomenon”

MONTEVIDEO (17 September 2010) – The UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, urged the Uruguayan authorities to develop a comprehensive and effective response to fight human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a pervasive phenomenon in the country, yet it remains invisible,” said the independent expert at the end of her five-day mission from 13 to 17 September.  Ms. Ezeilo particularly expressed concerns that “sexual exploitation of children, especially girls, is extremely common, socially and culturally tolerated in the country”. 

“The Government must, as a matter of urgency, take steps to eradicate child prostitution and exploitation,” urged the Special Rapporteur. 

While commending the Government for its openness and cooperation during the mission, Ms. Ezeilo noted with concern the low number of cases which have been investigated and prosecuted, as well as the lack of witness protection which adds to the reluctance to report the crime of trafficking by trafficked persons.  She also warned the risks of re-victimization of trafficked persons, given the lack of adequate services and assistance such as shelters, medical, psychological and legal services.    

“Adequate resources should be allocated to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of governmental anti-trafficking initiatives”, Ms. Ezeilo said. The independent expert recommended that the Government considers the establishment of a national agency to coordinate anti-trafficking activities, as well as adequate mechanisms for witness protection and access to justice for trafficked persons.

As a prevention strategy, the Special Rapporteur also urged the Government to tackle factors which increase vulnerability to trafficking, such as inequality, poverty and all forms of discrimination and prejudice, as well as to address demand as a root cause.

(*): Check the end-of-mission statement by the Special Rapporteur: http://www-stagesp1.in.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=10361&LangID=E
ENDS
Joy Ngozi Ezeilo assumed her functions as Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children on 1 August 2008. Ms. Ezeilo is a human rights lawyer and professor at the University of Nigeria. She has also served in various governmental capacities, including as Honourable Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development in Enugu State and as a Delegate to the National Political Reform Conference. She has consulted for various international organizations and is also involved in several NGOs, particularly working on women’s rights. She has published extensively on a variety of topics, including human rights, women’s rights, and Sharia law.

Learn more about the mandate and activities of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/trafficking/index.htm

OHCHR Country Page – Uruguay:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/LACRegion/Pages/UYIndex.aspx