UN human rights expert to assess the situation of trafficking in persons in Cuba

GENEVA (5 April 2017) –United Nations Special Rapporteur Maria Grazia Giammarinaro will assess the situation of trafficking in persons especially that of women, children, but also of men in Cuba during an official visit to the country from 10-14 April. Her visit will be the first to the country in ten years by an independent expert of the UN Human Rights Council.　

“My visit is an opportunity to meet relevant authorities and key people and groups, to determine the progress made and the challenges Cuba faces in addressing trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation, as well as any other forms of trafficking,” Ms. Giammarinaro said.　

“Particular attention will be paid to measures in place and those planned to prevent trafficking, to protect victims and provide them with access to effective remedies,” she noted.　

The Special Rapporteur is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to promote the prevention of trafficking in persons and to encourage measures to uphold and protect the human rights of victims of trafficking, with a special focus on issues relating to gender and children’s rights.　

Ms. Giammarinaro will meet representatives of Government agencies, as well as UN officials and members of civil society organizations fighting against people-trafficking during her visit to Havana, Matanzas and Artemisa. 　

The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference to share her preliminary observations with the media at 12:30 pm Friday 14 April 2017 at the Centro de Prensa Internacional (Calle 23 #152, esquina a O, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución) in Havana, Cuba. Access to the rence is strictly limited to journalists.　

Findings from the country visit and recommendations will be included in an official report to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2018.