HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57^th session

Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery

12 September 2024

EU statement

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur and we reiterate our strong support for his mandate.

This year's report on contemporary forms of slavery as affecting incarcerated people provides concerning information on the situation, where practices in prisons amount to international human rights and labour standards violations. It is particularly alarming to read of sexual exploitation, and of intersecting forms of discrimination.

In Europe, the Council of Europe's 'European Prison Rules' state that "Prison work shall be approached as a positive element of the prison regime and shall never be used as a punishment". It is important that prisoners may choose the type of employment, and the work provided is aimed at supporting prisoners' ability to earn a living after their release.

Furthermore, the European Union is preparing a Regulation on Forced Labour, which will ban all products made with forced labour, including forced prison labour, on the Union market irrespective of their origin.

Mr Special Rapporteur,

Do you have specific recommendations or best practices for eliminating sexual exploitation in prisons?

I thank you.

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