UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement during Interactive Dialogue on trafficking in persons

Thank you Mr President.

The United Kingdom would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons for her continued work and welcomes ongoing discussion on this crucial issue.

We are grateful for the Special Rapporteur’s latest report and we support her assertion that we must address the increase in child labour and significant risks of trafficking. During our G7 Presidency, we committed to work collaboratively to eradicate forced labour, protect victims and improve transparency in global supply chains. More recently, the UK pledged our support at the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour and we are committed to taking forward priorities including working with businesses to eliminate child labour in global supply chains.

We expect all UK businesses to behave in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and to comply with all applicable laws and meet their obligations through the UK Modern Slavery Act. This includes their management of supply chains in the UK and overseas.

Special Rapporteur Mullally,

What further steps can the international community take to accelerate progress towards SDG 8.7 to eliminate child labour?

Thank you.