High level event on CEDAW GR 38 on trafficking of women and girls in the context of migration

Wearing face masks remains mandatory in all UN Geneva conference rooms, at public events and public areas at the UN Geneva Library. You must also not come to the UN premises if you develop any COVID-like symptoms or test positive for the virus. 

UNOG requires all persons wanting to come to the premises to follow Swiss regulations regarding travel quarantine and to wear masks in all common indoor areas

Trafficking in persons continues to disproportionately impact women and girls. In 2020, for every 10 victims detected globally, about four were adult women and two were girls. Migrant women, and particularly those who are undocumented are particularly at risk of human trafficking, especially to trafficking for forced labour. Restrictive and discriminatory migration policies, resulting in a lack of safe and regular migration pathways, including cross-border trafficking of women and girls during armed conflicts, may lead women and girls to migrate using irregular channels, increasing their risks of trafficking.

This high-level event will bring together leading experts and change makers on the subject of trafficking of women and girls in the context of migration to discuss approaches and solutions to minimizing their risk of trafficking and share recommendations for the prevention of and response to trafficking in the context of migration, highlighting the importance of implementing CEDAW GR 38, which provides practical guidance on implementing gender-responsive, human rights-based anti-trafficking interventions.

This side event is taking place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against women and girls, an annual international civil society led campaign, calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against all women and girls worldwide. Trafficking of women and girls is a form of gender-based based violence. The event therefore aims at highlighting the importance of addressing the high risks of trafficking faced by migrant women and girls, and in particular trafficking for sexual exploitation, including during armed conflicts, while highlighting the critical need for all stakeholders to be actively involved in combatting this heinous human rights violation.

The event will be held on Wednesday, November 30 between 15h and 16:30h in hybrid format, taking place in person at the Palais des Nations (Room XXVII) and online (link provided upon registration).