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Mrs. Deborah O’Hara Ruskowski Delivered a Statement on Contemporary Forms of Slavery at the UNGA Third Committee

17/10/2024

On October 17, 2024, Mrs. Deborah O’Hara Ruskowski, Special Advisor to the Ambassador on Human Trafficking, delivered a statement at the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee on the topic of “Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Including its Causes and Consequences.”

The session began with a presentation by Mr. Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. He highlighted the critical role of workers’ organisations in empowering those most at risk of exploitation, particularly those affected by structural discrimination, including communities facing discrimination based on work and descent. Mr. Obokata explained how migrant workers, often unable to negotiate fair working conditions due to legal, linguistic, and other barriers, receive support from workers’ organisations globally, even in regions with limited civic space.

He noted that these organisations also work to eradicate child labor and promote the social and labor inclusion of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and minorities. Despite their essential role in preventing contemporary forms of slavery, Mr. Obokata emphasised the many challenges workers’ organisations face, including restrictions on the rights to form and join unions in various parts of the world. Workers and their representatives frequently face threats, harassment, and violence from both state authorities and private employers.

The Special Rapporteur underscored that intersecting forms of discrimination exacerbate these challenges, making it more difficult for vulnerable groups to exercise their rights and access justice. For instance, female workers, who bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, often have fewer opportunities to engage with workers’ organisations or take on leadership roles. Similarly, workers in rural or remote areas, special economic zones, and the informal economy often struggle to report labor exploitation effectively.

Mr. Obokata urged Member States to intensify efforts to address these intersecting forms of discrimination and provide tailored support to vulnerable workers. He concluded by stating that contemporary forms of slavery can only be eradicated when all workers have the right to collective representation without discrimination, and when their rights to form unions and engage in collective bargaining—guaranteed under international human rights and labor laws—are fully realised. He called on states, businesses, employers, civil society, and the international community to recognise the vital role of workers’ organisations and foster constructive partnerships with them.

In her statement, Mrs. O’Hara Ruskowski emphasised how, in 2024, contemporary slavery still affects millions, primarily through abduction and human trafficking, particularly of vulnerable children for forced labor and coerced marriages. She called for better mechanisms to support survivors, who often face criminalisation instead of reintegration. She also stressed the involvement of corporations in perpetuating modern slavery through unethical labor practices and call for accountability. Mrs. O’Hara Ruskowski drew attention to how the Sovereign Order of Malta, through its humanitarian work, remains committed to combating slavery by addressing its root causes and advocating for sustainable solutions. She concluded by asking if a more comprehensive understanding of the causes of contemporary forms of slavery could help develop effective strategies to end this enduring issue.

Categories:  News, Statements