11th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished participants.
I hereby declare open the 11th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
Excellencies, participants, we shall now begin the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
Let me welcome the mandate holder, Mr.
Gahad Mahdi.
The list will close in 15 minutes.
I now give the floor to Mr.
Mahdi to present the report.
Okay.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is my pleasure to present my latest report on the externalization of migration governance.
I'm grateful to all stakeholders who contributions informed this work.
Externalization has become a global phenomenon with states across all regions increasingly shifting responsibility for migration and asylum to other countries.
Since my previous report in October last year, such practices have expanded significantly, along with the human rights violations associated with them.
Recent development illustrate both the speed and scale of this trend.
The United States has concluded agreements with more than 20 countries across Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
The European Union has advanced with remarkable speed, legislation, expanding safe country concept, and agreed on a new return regulations enabling so called return hubs.
Other bilateral arrangements continue to emerge and are being renewed despite persistent and serious human rights concerns.
Such is the case of the agreement between the United Kingdom and France on the prevention of dangerous journeys.
Distinguished delegates, let me elaborate on the findings contained in my report.
I examined three main forms of externalization.
First, measures aimed at preventing arrival, including interceptions and preventing departures from third states.
These raise serious concerns regarding compliance with the principle of non refment and the requirement of individual assessment, particularly with the growing use of surveillance technologies, such as biometrics and drones.
Second, extraterritorial asylum processing.
Whereby asylum procedures are partly or wholly relocated to third countries.
This often relies on safe third country concepts, raising concerns about access to procedures, safeguards, and effective remedies.
Third, removal to third states, including transfers to a country with which individuals have no prior connection.
These arrangements carry significant risk of reformment arbitrary detention, ill treatment, and denial of due process.
Externalization entails a high risk of human rights violations.
This stems from coercive measures, limited capacity or willingness of some third states to provide protection, insufficient transparency, and the involvement of partners whose actions may also engage responsibilities.
In my previous report, I identified ten rights particularly at risk, the right to leave any country, including one's own, the prohibition of refument, collective expulsion, arbitrary detention, torture and ill treatment, enforced disappearances, and racial discrimination, the right to life, due process, and an effective remedy and economic and social rights.
I now drew attention to three additional areas.
One, forced labor and practices among amounting to slavery, Two, family separation and interference with family life, and three, the growing use of digital technologies, surveillance tools, and data sharing arrangements may facilitate violations of several rights, including the right to leave any country, the prohibition of refument and the right to privacy and data protection.
Externalization disproportionately impacts person in situation of vulnerability.
Children face heightened risks of violence and exploitation.
Women, men, and person of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are affected in different and often intersecting ways, reflecting broader pattern of discrimination.
Although legal responsibility in externalization context may be complex, states cannot evade their obligation by outsourcing migration control, where a state exercising power or effective control even beyond its territory, it may incur extra territorial obligation.
Responsibility may lie with one or multiple actors.
A recurring feature of externalization is lack of transparency.
To address this, I highlight three key tools, human rights impact assessment, independent monitoring, and accessible complaint mechanism.
These are essential to ensure accountability and compliance.
I remain deeply concerned by the continued expansion of externalization.
Despite long standing warnings, this practice raised not only legal concerns, but also questions about the values underpinning our societies.
We are witnessing a troubling tendency to treat human rights as optional and to exclude migrants from protections guaranteed to all.
Today and in my report, I have referred to specific countries example.
This is not done to single out individual states, but rather to invite reflection and dialogue.
It is a call for renewed commitment and shared responsibility, a reminder of why they choose to bind themselves to human rights treaties in the first place, a reminder of the context in which these treaties came to life, the aftermath of periods marked by exclusion, injustice, and profound human suffering.
Today, I fear that we are witnessing a gradual erosion of that commitment.
There is a growing tendency to treat legal obligation as optional, to view human rights as contingent rather than universal, and to assume that migrants can somehow be excluded from the protection that states solemnly undertook to guarantee to all human beings My hope is that these reports will contribute to a broader reflection on the urgent need to reaffirm our human rights commitment, to realign policies with the values of human dignity, equality and justice on which our societies are built and to strengthen respect for the rule of law.
Ultimately, the question raised by externalization is not only how states manage migration, but also what kind of society we aspire to be.
States remain bound by international human rights law in all migration cooperation.
They cannot avoid responsibility by delegating functions to others.
I call on states One, ensure that migration cooperation fully respects the international human rights obligation of all states involved and that all cooperation instruments include enforceable human rights and non discrimination clauses.
Two, refrain from any measures leading to direct or indirect violations of the principles of non reform law.
Ensure that safe country concept is applied only on the basis of an individual assessment of safety, and a meaningful connection.
And three, ensure transparency and migration cooperation, an independent, effective, gender responsive and child sensitive human rights monitoring of all measures preventing arrivals, outsourcing asylum processing and removing migrants to third countries.
Rather than outsourcing responsibilities, states should prioritize fair rights based and sustainable migration system, ensuring access to protection, and strengthening genuine responsibility sharing.
I remain available to provide technical assistance to support these efforts.
Distinguished participants.
Let me briefly turn to my report on my visit to Mauritania in September last year.
I welcome the country's openness to refugees cooperation with the UN agencies, and efforts to strengthen search and rescue and combat trafficking.
I also acknowledge the authorities commitment to addressing migration in a manner consistent with human rights.
However, Strengthened enforcement measures have raised concerns.
I received reports of arrest, detention, and removal procedures lacking individual assessment, legal assistance, and effective remedies.
Reports of collective expulsion are particularly alarming.
Constraints on access to migrants in detention and reports of limited consular access further increase vulnerabilities.
The absence of comprehensive asylum law continues to weaken protection frameworks while women, children, and migrants from sub Saharan Africa face heightened risk, including discrimination and exploitation.
In my report, I also referred to cooperation agreement with Spain and the European Union.
Such agreement should incorporate strong human rights guarantees, transparency and accountability while supporting Mauritanian and institutional capacity in a protection centered manner.
Before briefing you on my other activities, I would like to thank the government of Brazil for their openness during the visit I concluded in March this year.
I will present my report on this visit in June next year.
Excellencies.
In May this year, I participated in the second International Migration Review Forum in New York and had the opportunity to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including Kenya and Luxembourg, the facilitators of this enormous task.
I would also like to recognize IOM efforts to make this important forum possible in these challenging times.
I look forward to continuing the dialogue and working together to translate the commitments undertake through the Global Compact into concrete and measurable progress through strengthened international cooperation, sustained political will, and investment in inclusive rights based system implemented in good faith and guided by the compact's core principles.
Allow me to close with one thought.
Migration remains a defining feature of our interconnected world, shaped by a complex interplay of factors, the measures of our progress lies not in the ambition of our declaration, but in the livid realities of migrants themselves.
Thank you.
Very much for your time attention.
Thank you.
According to our practice, we shall start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.
You have 5 minutes.
Ibrahim.
On behalf of God.
Chair, Mr.
President, ladies and gentlemen.
It is my honor, speaking on behalf of the delegation of Mauritania, to express our warm gratitude to Mr.
Gehadmadi, special rapporteur on the Human Rights of migrants.
And for his report following the visit to Mauritania last September, I would like to thank him for the constructive dialogue that we had with him during the visit.
We appreciate a positive account in the report of our country, especially because we continue to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, given that at present, we have approximately 400,000 refugees, most of them coming from Mali, and that's in spite of the limited resources and challenges faced in the region, due to its geographic location, Mauritania, faces increasing pressures coming from security and humanitarian crisis in the Sill region.
We see an increase of mixed movement across the Atlantic.
In 2025, 4,500 victims of smuggling were found in for the first half of 2026.
That figure stands at 1,800.
All of these cases of human smuggling are addressed with a humanitarian approach which helps us save lives, to provide support and temporary housing.
And to carry out triage and assistance operations while giving great priority to the least favored groups, Mauritania has strengthened its legal and institutional framework on migration, asylum, and combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
We have set up special mechanisms to protect victims and to provide them with assistance.
I mentioned, for example, the national entity to combat human trafficking and smuggling in migrants, and the role of the National Human Rights Commission, the National Mechanism to combat torture, and the National Observatory of Women and Girls' Rights.
Turning now to the report, we would like to point out that some of its outcomes and conclusions are based on information and witness statements that are not fully documented, which is why the official data and the facts documented here must be taken into account in that in order to have a balanced objective view of the situation of migration in Mauritania.
In that regard, we would like to say that the migration flow management as well as the procedures to send to the borders are done in keeping with national legislations and with our international commitments.
All cases are studied individually respecting relevant legal guarantees.
We reject our quality, our practices, saying that they are systematic use of arbitrary arrest or ill treatment of migrants.
Our national legislation in fact prohibits any form of discrimination.
We have improved the complaints and notification mechanisms, the green line 1916 and complaints mechanisms and temporary welcome centers.
Mr.
President, we have partnerships with the EU, the UN, and other parties, and this is part of burden sharing and shared responsibility with a view to support safe and orderly migration and to combat the human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks while protecting the most vulnerable groups.
Yes.
These partnerships are not to be understood as a part of transfer responsibilities or shifting responsibilities, but rather a model of international cooperation, given that no country can face this alone.
To conclude, we are resolute in continuing a constructive cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and with the United Nations human rights mechanisms.
We will continue to develop a migration policy using a balanced approach that respects human dignity, while also being mindful, of course, of the current challenges.
And I thank you very much for your attention.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the National Human Rights Institution of Mauritania.
You have 3 minutes.
I understand the National Human Rights institution is not in the room.
Now we will proceed.
The list of speakers is now closed.
I now invite interested delegations to ask questions to the special rapporteur and make comments on the reports.
The speaking time is 1 minute, 30 seconds for all.
I'd like to recall that the duration of interactive dialogues is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
However, if time permits, additional delegations will be able to speak.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, Mr.
Special Rapporteur.
The EU remains deeply committed to stepping up action to uphold international law and promote and protect human rights in relation to all refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
The EU hosts 20% of the world's refugees and provides protection to around 400,000 refugees each year.
As such, it pays high attention to the fundamental right to seek asylum and the principle of non refoment.
At the same time, the EU reaffirms its commitment to addressing irregular migration, fighting against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and to countering the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes in full respect of human rights and international law.
For it to be well governed, migration requires cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination in a whole of route approach.
This does not mean externalizing responsibilities, but seeking cooperation between key actors along the migration route with a human rights based approach, counting on the support of IOM and UNHCR.
US Pact on migration and Asylum reinforces the importance of human rights monitoring with EU member states setting up independent national mechanisms to monitor fundamental rights compliance.
Special Rapporteur, can you provide best practices on cooperation of states along migration routes to better work together on migration? I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivaria Republic of Venezuela on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Venezuela is making this statement on behalf of the group of friends in defense of the UN Charter.
Among the objectives of the charter, we have the promotion and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all without distinction on the grounds of race, sex, language, or religion, which is why we reject discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance against migrants, which become a denial of the purposes and principles of the UN charter.
We recognize that human mobility is a complicated topic calling for improved sustained cooperation at a global scale, and we note that international migration has been pushed by external factors.
We strongly reject the use of migration policies as an instrument of geopolitical pressure and the use of unilateral coercive measures that not only exacerbate migration flows, but also represent acts of political and economic coercion that violate the UN Charter and international law.
We would like to issue a call for migration to be approached to cooperative approaches that prioritize the protection of the dignity of migrants.
The path towards the full attainment of human rights must be one that goes through solidarity, respect, multiculturalism, tolerance, and rejecting incitement and hatred.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African Group.
Mr.
Vice President, the African Group thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting his report and reaffirms its full support to his mandate.
The unstable international context marked in particular by conflict, trafficking of all kinds, the humanitarian crisis, and persistent extreme poverty significantly heightens the challenges surrounding the international governance of migration, which in the return years has been characterized by the growing reliance on agreements to outsource asylum and migration procedures.
These agreements implemented in an extraterritorial context and potentially involving a multitude of actors require the utmost diligence, given that the sharing of responsibilities creates higher risk of serious and widespread human rights violations.
In this regard, it is important to recall that states have an obligation to respect the commitments that they have made under international legal instruments protecting the rights of migrants such as the Pact on safe, orderly, and regular migration, the Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members and their families, and the Convention Against enforced disappearances.
Migrants regardless of their legal standards must be afforded protection against any threat to their lives and dignity throughout their migration journey.
The implementation of outsourcing agreements must take place within a transparent case by case framework that guarantees fair procedures.
Finally, we call for the better international coordination in this area, in particular, through close cooperation that prioritizes fair and sustainable asylum and migration systems.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.
Thank you very much, Vice President of Mexico appreciates the presentation made by the Special Rapporteur of his report.
We share his concern over the proliferation of settlements to externalize migration and asylum processes.
In our view, the externalization measures run against international human rights law and international refugee law.
Given that by shifting the responsibility from one state to another, there is greater risk of violating the principle of non refoment than at least ten of the human rights mentioned in the rapporteur's report, among them the prohibition of torture, arbitrary detention, and the right to effective remedy.
We agree with the rapporteur in that instead of trying to externalize migration responsibilities, states ought to prioritize having migration asylum systems that are fair, anchored on human rights, as well as regular routes for safe and orderly migration.
Lastly, we reiterate the recommendations made by the aproeur addressed to international organizations of civil society and businesses that carry out activities in the context of externalization in order to ensure that they have due diligence in the area of human rights and to adopt measures whenever the risks cannot be effectively mitigated.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.
Thank you, President, Distinguished Mr.
Mahdi.
We welcome your research on the externalization of migration relations, share the concern about current trends and risks to both migrants rights and compliance with relevant international obligations.
A tragic consequence of the policy of blocking the arrival of migrants in the EU is the growing number of deaths of migrants at the border of Belarus with the EU countries in 20217.
In 2025, it was 28.
We continue to insist on the importance of restoring coordination for joint border management to prevent further casualties.
However, the EU prefers to expand externalization.
It is a matter of deep concern that the EU's approaches and the practices of a number of its member states regulating migration are increasingly becoming gray area for international scrutiny.
International and intergovernmental organizations and the private sector are involved in risky activities.
The presumption of effectiveness in particular of the latest European instruments for regulating migration is far from obvious.
Policies that deny the right to legal status of migrants or refugees in favor of deportation, including the establishment of centers in third countries can have grave consequences for the human rights of migrants and their families.
Mr.
Speci Rapporteur, what measures are needed objectively and comprehensively to assess the practice of externalization.
What measures can the international committee take to prevent negative impacts on human rights and the rule of law, thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.
Thank you, Vice President, Guatemaa thanks, Special Rapportur for presenting the report and recognizes the importance of the analysis regarding the emerging modalities of externalization of migration governance.
My delegation believes that human mobility is a multidimensional phenomenon that requires responses based on international cooperation, solidarity, and respect for human rights.
As a country of origin, transit, destination, and return, Guatemala continues to push for migration governance based on human beings.
Within the priorities promoted by the government of our president, we have actions to provide consular protection, comprehensive attention to returnees, and regional coordination for a more human and orderly management of migration.
We recognize the importance of addressing the structural causes of human mobility and promote conditions that allow people to develop their life projects and their communities of origin with full respect for their human rights.
My country agrees on the importance of policies and agreements on migration to be carried out with full respect for international law and have effective mechanisms for monitoring transparency and accountability.
In this context, we would like to ask what good practices has a special rapporteur identified to ensure that Migration cooperation agreements among states provide effective management of migration without undermining protection of the human rights of migrants.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia.
President, Gambia thanks the Special Rapporteur, Mr.
Had Mahdi, for his report on the externalization of migration governance.
The Gambia takes notes of the concerns raised regarding transparency, accountability, access to remedies, and the need to ensure that migration cooperation remains consistent with international human rights law.
We share the view that migration governance should be grounded in human dignity, shared responsibility, and respect for the rights of all migrants, including migrant workers and members of their families.
As a country of origin, transit, and return, the Gambia attaches great importance to safe, orderly and regular migration.
Effective migration governance requires clear laws, strong institutions, due process, and cooperation that protects people while addressing trafficking, smuggling, and exploitation.
In this regard, the Gambia recently submitted its initial report and held a constructive dialogue with the committee on migrant workers during its 42nd session with a view to receiving further guidance and recommendations to strengthen national implementation.
The Gambia has also recently tabled the Immigration Bill 2026 before the National Assembly to modernize the national Immigration Framework and strengthen migration governance.
Thank you, Mr.
Vibes.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.
Maximus.
Thank you, President Senegal Alliance with the African Group, and thanks, Special Rapporteur for presenting the report.
As a country of departure, transit and reception we are particularly focused on human rights of migrants.
This is at the heart of our national migration policy in line with the national agenda for transformation to 2050 and international commitments.
In this context of promoting and protecting migrants rights, Senegal's effort involves consolidating migration, prioritizing migration as a governance factor, protecting human rights of migrants.
Addressing the challenges of irregular migration with an inter ministerial committee to combat irregular migration and consolidation of international cooperation.
In conclusion, Senegal reaffirms its commitment to migration governance, which is based on human beings and the respect for the human rights of all migrants.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.
Mr.
Vice President.
Morocco thanks to special porter for his report on the externalization of migration governance.
As a country of origin, transit, and destination, Morocco addresses the issue of migrations for a responsible, humane, and solidarity based approach.
The national strategy on immigration and asylum launched in 2014, provides the overarching policy framework on the issue of migrations in Morocco.
As part of this major commitment, the kingdom has undertaken large regularization campaigns that have benefited over 50,000 migrants and protects the rights of migrants to healthcare, education, and social services.
Regionally, Morocco promotes a responsibility based approach to the issue of migration in the framework of the Global Compact on safe, orderly, and regular migrations.
At the continental level, driven by the mandate of His Majesty, the King as the African Union's leader on migrations, Morocco hosts the African Migration Observatory in Rabat to foster data driven rights based policies in the field of migration.
Mr.
Special Reporter, in light of your report, my delegation would like to ask you what concrete mechanisms do you recommend to ensure that regional partnerships translate into genuine burden sharing rather than burden shifting onto transit countries.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Thank you President Human Commission Microphone, please.
The OIC Independent Human Rights Commission, the IPHRC appreciates the report of the Special Rapporteur and reiterates that migrants are entitled to the full protection of their inherent human dignity and fundamental human rights under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The OIC region hosts and supports millions of migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, reflecting the enduring Islamic values of compassion, solidarity, hospitality, and protection of the vulnerable.
Islamic teachings emphasize the dignity of every human being and prohibit exploitation, xenophobia, discrimination, and collective stigmatization.
The commission remains concerned over increasing hate speech, anti migrant narratives, arbitrary detention, trafficking and the denial of socioeconomic rights affecting migrants in different regions of the world.
Particular concern must be given to migrant women and children who face heightened vulnerability.
Commission stresses the importance of shared international responsibility, safe and regular migrant pathways, access to justice and protection of migrants from violence and exploitation.
The IPHRC calls for strengthened international cooperation to address the root causes of forced migration, including conflicts, poverty, illegal occupation, climate related disasters, and inequalities in development.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Philippines thanks the Special Rapporteur for shedding light on the human rights risks associated with the growing trend of externalization of migration and asylum governance.
The Philippines recognizes the sovereign right of states to control the entry and stay of foreign nationals into their respective territories.
At the same time, we stress that migration and asylum governance systems must be people centered and firmly grounded international human rights law and refugee law.
The principle of non refoulement must be upheld without fail.
The rights, dignity, and safety of migrants and asylum seekers, especially children and other groups in vulnerable situations must be protected at all times.
Migration cooperation arrangements should reinforce, not dilute accountability for human rights abuses and violations.
There must be guardrails in the use of digital technologies in border control management to prevent data privacy breaches.
The Philippines has built a robust and comprehensive normative and institutional framework for the protection of Filipino nationals throughout the migration cycle, from pre departure to overseas deployment and return and reintegration.
Migration could and should be beneficial to countries of origin and destination alike, as well as to the migrants and their families themselves.
Achieving this requires that all stakeholders bear their respective responsibilities and strengthen cooperation at all levels to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.
Thank you, President.
We take note of the report by the special reporter on the human rights of migrants.
We regret that the report contains comments on national policy and migration governance, which are inaccurate.
We are committed to protecting the human rights of all of our citizens and migrants that is deep rooted in our society.
However, the challenges that we face make it a challenge, but we are committed to human dignity and to rights.
We are working with international partners In order to have good migration governance, it is important to respect state sovereignty on migration matters and recognize the impact of underdevelopment and poverty.
These are challenges that must be addressed in order to deal with the root causes of migration.
There must be international cooperation in order to address trafficking.
This is crucial.
It is not optional.
Migration must be safe and orderly.
This requires cooperation among all countries, be they have destination, transit, or destination.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador.
Yes.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation notes the report and emphasizes that international cooperation and migration governance requires cooperation instead of outsourcing to third countries.
There must be shared responsibility, regularity, international protection and full respect of the rights of all migrants with non reform and prohibition of collective expulsions, family unity and equality before the law in Ecuador despite the challenges as a country of origin, transit, refuge, destination, and return of migrants, our governance is based on the rights in the Constitution.
Laws and international instruments for people on the move in addition to greater protection for vulnerable groups.
As an example, during 2025, we registered 922,000 consulate migration consultations.
We continue to expand state capacity, digitize services, and provide greater presence on the ground and interinstitutional coordination, as well as implementing programs such as circular migration with Italy and Spain as Legal orderly, effective, safe alternative channels for migrant workers.
Last September, Ecuador, with the support of the OIM, presented the National Plan for implementation of the Global Compact on migration, which guides state action on rights regularization, border management, and prevention of trafficking.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ethiopia aligns itself with the African Group statement and thank the special porter for his timely and comprehensive report.
Migration is a complex global phenomenon that requires balanced, comprehensive, and cooperative responses.
At the same time, migration governance must be guided by the principles of human dignity, international cooperation, shared responsibility, and respect for the human rights of all migrants regardless of their status.
Ethiopia noted the concerns raised regarding the growing externalization of migration governance and its potential impact on access to protection, accountability, and the enjoyment of human rights.
We emphasize that migration cooperation arrangement should be implemented in accordance with international law, while respecting the specific circumstances, capacities, and priorities of states concerned.
As a country of origin transit and destination, Ethiopia underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration through sustainable development, poverty eradication, job creation, peace building, and climate resilience.
Efforts aimed at migration management should complement rather than undermine development priorities and regional mobility frameworks.
Finally, Ethiopia underscores the importance of expanding safe, orderly and regular migration pathways, strengthening international cooperation, combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in person.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.
Mr.
Vice President, Nepal, thanks to the Special Rapporteur for presenting the report.
Human mobility has become a defining global phenomenon.
The rising drive for human to migrate does not seem to slowing down at any moment soon and several pull and push factors continue to shape the current situations.
Despite the ongoing efforts to ensuring safe, regular, orderly, dignified and human migration, it is concerning to see the emerging trends and patterns of irregular mobility.
Irregular pathways put migrants in danger and deprive them of their rights in most of the circumstances.
Women, children, families, and the vulnerable communities suffer the most.
The recent externalization measures across various parts of the world as discussed in the report, merit our serious attention.
In this matter, we must adopt human rights based approach.
We wish to reiterate that the fundamental rights of migrants must be upheld by all in all situations.
Against this backdrop, Mr.
Special Rapporteur, what practical measures would use for this to facitate safe, orderly and regular mobility pathways in view of recent trends of externalization? I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.
Mr.
Vice President, Sri Lanka welcomes the S Reporter's report and notes his recommendations to safeguard the rights of migrants, including specific groups.
We echo that externalization of migration governance causes high risk to migrants as it lacks full transparency and accountability.
Therefore, strengthening human rights risk assessments, monitoring, and complaint mechanism are essential.
Sri Lanka, a GCM champion country accords high priority, safe, orderly and regular migration.
Migrant workers remittances are the primary source of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka.
We know that migrant workers experience exploitation, sexual harassment, physical violence, and barriers to justice continue.
To address these challenges, Sri Lanka very recently launched Lanka Connect, a complete management application to strengthen protection and enhance access to support services for Sri Lankan migrant workers.
Sri Lanka has taken concerted efforts to prevent irregular migration, including through intelligence sharing, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns.
Sri Lanka facilitates safe migration through formal readmissions agreements.
We stress that humanity should be at the core of all migration related policies.
Finally, Sri Lanka, a party to the Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and family members of their families continue to take measures to protect the rights of migrants and their families.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Greece aligns with the EU statement and takes note of the Special Rapporteur's report.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to the protection and promotion of the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in line with international law, the relevant EU a key and national legislation.
Migration is a global phenomenon that requires comprehensive and cooperative responses.
Greece supports the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with third countries based on full respect for international and EU law and human rights and on close cooperation at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination is essential.
Therefore, it should not be conflated with externalization of responsibilities, but rather seen as a means to prevent loss of life, combat migrant smuggling networks, and expand safe and regular pathways for migration.
Such partnerships can also facilitate dignified returns where appropriate, broaden access to protection and address root causes of displacement.
Ultimately, the challenge is not whether cooperation on migration should take place, but how it can be designed and implemented in a way that safeguards human dignity and ensures effective protection of people on the move.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ghana aligns itself with a statement by the African group and thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
We share the concern regarding the growing practice of externalizing migration management to third countries, which can increase migrants vulnerability to human rights violations and limit access to international protection.
Ghana welcomes the Special Rapporteur's call on stage to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all migrants and refugees under their jurisdiction.
Guided by our Constitution and commitment to the rule of law, Ghana upholds the rights and dignity of all persons, including migrants.
On second and third, June 2026, therefore, Ghana appeared before the Committee on migrant workers for his second country, reaffirming our commitment to implementing the Convention and strengthening protection for Ganian migrants abroad as well as migrant workers and their families residing in Ghana.
This end, Ghana continues to implement each national migration policy, the National Labor Migration Policy, and the National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact for Safe, orderly and regular migration.
These framework seek to promote safe migration, strengthen migration protection, and enhance migration governance in a manner consistent with our international human rights obligations.
Mr.
Special Rapporteur, how can states strengthen international cooperation to ensure that migration governance remains firmly grounded in human rights and international law.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.
Mr.
Vice President, Bangladesh takes note of the report of the ASR and appreciate its focus on human rights implication of contemporary migration policy.
As a country of origin for migrant worker, Bangladesh recognizes the vital contribution of migrants to economic growth, sustainable development, and social progress both in countries of origin and destination.
Therefore, the migration governance must be guided by human rights, human dignity, solidarity, and international cooperation.
We share concern over migration policy and practices that limit access to international protection, undermine due process, or express migrants to discrimination, exploitation, and other human rights violations.
All efforts related to migration should be designed and implemented in accordance with international law.
Mr.
Vice President, Banladesh underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration, including poverty, inequality, armed conflict, forced displacement, and the adverse impacts of climate change.
We call for enhanced international cooperation to expand, safe orderly and regular migration pathways, promote labor mobility, combat trafficking in person, and migrant smuggling, and extenden support for migrants in vulnerable situation.
We reaffirm our commitment to advancing a balanced, human and right based approach to migration governance that benefits both migrants and society.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Cambodia support the special Reporter calls for state to uphold the human right obligation toward all migrants and prevent discrimination, violence, and other abuses.
The report finding are particularly relevant in the context of recent tension along Cambodia Thailand border, during which Cambodian migrant workers reportedly face xenophobia, hate speech, discriminatory treatment, and violence.
Migrant worker play a vital role in advancing the social and economic development of both country of origin and host country through their labor, skill, and remittance.
Underscoring the importance of ensuring their protection, dignity, well being, and access to essential services, including health care at all time.
Migrant workers should never be targeted, threatened, or discriminated again on the basis of their nationality, nor become victim of political tension or interstate conflict.
In this regard, Caboia call upon host country to take all necessary measures to protect migrant workers and to uphold the obligation under International Human Rights Law, including Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international instruments, particularly during periods of tension and conflict.
My delegates my delegation question is that what measure does the Special Report recommend to better safeguard migrant worker affected by cross border tension and interstate conflict.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.
Royce.
Marial house to the man who into Thank you, President.
We note the report and the efforts made on migration, international and bilateral cooperation are crucial in order to address irregular migration and trafficking in humans and to promote safe order, irregular migration.
Any international cooperation on migration must be compliant with international law and international commitments.
It is essential not to impose cooperation arrangements which undermine human rights or which allows states to sidestep their international responsibilities.
Arrangements must be assessed in line with their conformity with international law and their content.
We must see a balance between protecting migrants rights and efforts to manage borders and apply national legislation.
The growing challenges facing states that receive migrants must be addressed and effective management of migration in the view of Egypt cannot simply be reduced to management of migration flows.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President and Mr.
Special Rapporteur.
Italy ensures that migration governance is consistent with human rights and refugee law, including principle of non refoulement.
International cooperation with origin and transit countries is indispensable to combat smuggling and trafficking networks, save lives at sea, and protect those in need.
These objectives are pursued through the EU Pact on migration and Asylum and agreements between Italy and transit countries like Tunisia and Libya to assist migrants and refugees and fight trafficking networks, leading to a sharp decrease in deaths in the Mediterranean.
Cooperation frameworks such as the Italy Albania Protocol, operate according to EU law with safeguards for vulnerable persons and minors, judicial oversight, access to legal remedies, monitoring by international organizations, and OPCOT.
Italy rejects any characterization of these arrangements as circumventing international obligations.
They address orderly immigration management, preserving the integrity of asylum systems and combating the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Most of all, we must also address root causes of irregular immigration.
Nobody should be forced to leave this country.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.
Mr.
President, Thank you, Vice President.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting the report.
El Salvador recognizes the importance of strengthening international cooperation to prevent disappearance of migrants and to facilitate finding and identifying them and providing timely information to their families.
We thus value the regional cooperation efforts for exchange of information for search of missing persons, and to strengthen assistance and protection mechanisms.
However, my delegation rejects the allegations against El Salvador in the report.
And the supposed practice of disappearance and lack of due process in our territory.
It is unacceptable to make allegations of extreme gravity without full information and without contrasting with state sources.
There needs to be objectivity and methodological rigor within the work of this council.
We reiterate our commitment to the rights of migrants and to human rights and to strengthening our institutional capacities in sovereign fashion through legitimate cooperation based on respectful dialogue, I think.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Nigeria alliance with the African Group.
We thank the Special Rapportur for his report and his focus on externalization of migration policies and their human rights implications.
Nigeria recognizes that migration is a fundamental human experience and should not be criminalized.
We firmly uphold the principle that migrants, regardless of status, are entitled to the protection of their human rights.
Nigeria concurs that migration governance should not be based solely on deterrence and border control measures, but should also address the root causes of migration, including poverty, conflict, and insecurity.
In this regard, Nigeria continues to implement measures through its national migration policy, the renewed Op agenda, and EcoS Free movement Protocol.
We further underscore the importance of protecting the dignity of migrants, ensuring due process, preventing trafficking and exploitation, preserving family unity, and safeguarding the rights of children.
These efforts are supported by national frameworks, including the NPT Act and the work of the National Commission for Refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons.
Migration cooperation should be implemented in a manner consistent with international law, human dignity, and protection from abuse and reform.
Finally, Mr.
Special Rapporteur, how can state strengthen migration cooperation while protecting the rights of migrants and addressing legitimate border management and security concerns.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
India thanks the special aportoir and take notes of his report.
India supports the Global Compact for migration and its vision of safe, orderly and regular migration.
The international community must expand regular pathways, not punitive militarized border measures.
You have rightly pointed how externalization policies through which nations shift their asylum and human rights obligation onto transit countries of the global South are inconsistent with the international human rights law.
The lack of transparency in such frameworks made it difficult for countries of origin to exercise consular access and protect their nationals.
Mr.
Vice President, we're also concerned by the narrowing of regular pathways across the developed world as visa regimes grow more burdensome.
Legal pathways must remain free from discrimination based on religion or belief, ethnicity, or language.
Such discrimination is incompatible with the rule of law and the principle of non discrimination and erodes trust in orderly migration.
India calls for a paradigm shift in migration and mobility discussions, one that from migration management to collaborative mobility partnerships that recognizes migrants agency, respects national sovereignty, and advances the development priorities of both origin and destination countries.
In this regard, we ask the special rapporteur, what safeguards would ensure that legal migration and mobility pathways remain genuinely accessible and non discriminatory to all? Thank you.
Thank you.
I now invite Mr.
Mahdi to respond to the questions and comments made at this stage.
You have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
To my friend from Mauritania, my mandate is not to criticize states, but rather to identify the existing gaps and provide solutions through my recommendation and your statement will be included in my report.
To EU, cooperation along migration routes should include, one, setting predictable arrangements for search and rescue, disembarkation reception, and referral to protection services.
Two, identifying persons with specific protection needs and referring them promptly to appropriate cross border services.
Third, expanding safe pathways, including resettlement, family reunification, humanitarian admission, labor mobile mobility, education, and sponsorship.
To Cambodia, states should refrain from using migrants as instrument of foreign policy or political leverage or retaliation in the context of interstate disputes.
To Belarus, the international community should refrain, reaffirm that states cannot evade their human rights obligation by shifting migration control beyond their borders, technical assistance and capacity building to states is crucial.
Thank you.
Thank you.
We shall now return to our list of speakers and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.
President.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report.
Switzerland does not exclude by principle certain externaliizations of migration policy.
We recognize the obstacles and considerable risks of these approaches that any approach ought to be considered in light with its alignment to international law and the impact it has on fundamental rights as well as its practical efficiency.
Any measure must have effective safeguards for persons concerned and be based on individual case by case consideration and respect the rule of law and human rights, in particular, the principle of non refment.
International cooperation is, however, central and key in promoting safe and regular migration and the protection of migrants in regions of origin and transit in order to strengthen their positive economic and social contribution.
As a Schengen Associated State, it follows developments in European migration governance and participates in reflections of innovative approaches and Switzerland recalls that national asylum systems are the foundation of international protection regime and that states remain compelled to comply with their international obligations, including when cooperating with their countries.
Special Rapporteur in your analysis, what elements are decisive in ensuring the effective accountability of states having struck cooperation agreements on migration with third countries? Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Mr.
Vice President, we appreciate the presentation of the report of the Special Rapporteur, and we agree with him in his concern over the growing externalization of migration governance.
We are concerned, as we see that these practices presented as a response to migration challenges can lead to chain revolutions, arbitrary detention, and shifting of responsibilities between states, the recent experience of Venezuelan citizens that have been transferred and then held in El Salvador for months without proper contact with their family members nor timely access to legal assistance is proof of the great humanitarian risks linked to these policies.
Venezuela rejects that narrative that presents migration as a threat to security.
Migration is first and foremost, a result of persistent inequalities between the global north and south.
The lack of development opportunities and external factors such as the use of illegal unilateral coercive measures.
These measures undermine the state's capabilities.
They affect the enjoyment of human rights, and in the case of Venezuela, are the main cause that leads people to migrate.
Finally, we would like to consult a special rapporteur.
In your opinion, what is the impact of unilateral coercive measures as a direct cause of migration? And also, have you seen this impact in various countries? What patterns can you find in such cases? Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbijan.
Thank you.
Mr.
Vice President, my delegation would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his report.
We are concerned by the rising trend of and treated migration as a negative phenomenon.
Non compliance of restrictive measures with international norms and standards and optional application of human rights is another source for serious concern.
Respect for human rights of all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, regardless of their stake or status is of paramount importance.
States bear primary responsibility for ensuring that those rights, including the right to non reformment, not to mention chain enfoment are not violated.
One of the important directions of migration policy of Azerbaijan is the creation of favorable conditions towards the provision of access to key services and application of inclusive policies with regard to all aspects of migration related issues.
Azerbijan stands proudly among the first countries in the region to support and join the UN Global Compact for migration and on refugees.
At the moment, my country is the co chair of the Champions Group on migration.
During the second International Migration Review Forum, Azerbijan conducted a special session that focused on expanding irregular migration pathways, reducing adverse drivers of migration, and protecting migrants rights, particularly women and children.
We believe that the proper migration management is not only about a secure border, but also about fair and just treatment of all those who want and have to cross it.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.
Mr.
Vice President, for more than a decade now, Turkey has been at the forefront of mass population moments.
At its peak, Turkey provided temporary protection to more than 3 million Syrians and was host to the largest refugee community in the world.
As of now, 2.2 million Syrians who fled persecution and sought refuge in our country still benefit from this protection within the framework of international law and humanitarian values.
Turkey strictly adheres to the principle of non refoulement in accordance with its international and national obligations.
We believe that the return of refugees should be carried out voluntarily, safely, and in accordance with international law.
These unprecedented numbers alongside the need to effectively fight against smugglers and traffickers who seek to exploit the unstable conditions beyond our borders, made necessary development of a comprehensive and data driven system of migration management.
However, we saw in the special reporter's report with regret that this system was portrayed as an instrument of externalization.
In reality, Turkey shares the concerns expressed in the report and voice these concerns in various international platforms.
Measures such as Gutcht are implemented to reduce irregular migration risks and enhance the implementation of safe, regular, and orderly migration pathways.
We maintain our position that effective migration management and combating irregular migration can only be accomplished through international cooperation and addressing the root causes.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Mr.
Vice President, Brazil thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
We welcome the report's attention to the human rights implications of the externalization of migration governance.
Brazil shares the view that migration control measures must never come at the expense of the rights and dignity of migrants, regardless of their migratory status.
In particular, Brazil agrees that detention is never in the best interest of the child.
Brazil is concerned by the rise of externalization measures in Latin America, leading to a gradual regulatory fragmentation with protective policies coexisting with externalization practices often encouraged by bilateral pressure and the lack of predictable funding from multilateral agencies.
With the resurgence of anti migration rhetoric and the reversal of public policies on reception, regularization, and integration in developed countries, Brazil is concerned about the risk that externalization practices move the balance of responsibilities towards the global South.
We would be interested to hear the S Rapporteur's views on good practices that states can adopt to effectively end child immigration detention.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Zimbabwe takes note of the report by the Special Rapporteur and appreciates the work undertaken to promote global migration governance.
We concur that states remain bound by their obligations under international human rights law when implementing migration cooperation and that states should prioritize rights based, fair and sustainable asylum and migration systems that fully respect human rights and related procedural safeguards.
Zimbabwe has taken important steps at policy, legal, and institutional levels to address migration concerns.
The inter ministerial Committee on migration was resuscitated to strengthen border governance Prevent irregular migration, trafficking, and smuggling, and enhance joint operations between agencies.
We have commenced the ratification of the protocol against smuggling of migrants and amending the Immigration Act to domesticate its provisions.
Criminalization of migrant smuggling and facilitation of unauthorized entry is firmly embedded in the law.
The national migration data strategy was launched to address data gaps and strengthen evidence based governance, Zimbabwe also adopted a national labor migration policy to promote sustainable labor migration.
We remain committed to promoting and protecting the rights of migrants.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Mr.
Vice President, the Order of Malta thanks the Special Rapporteur for his insightful analysis of the externalization of migration governance, which builds upon his 2025 report to the General Assembly.
The Order of Malta fully recognize the sovereign right of states to regulate access to their territories.
At the same time, we share the concerns raised regarding the need to uphold human rights obligations in all migration policies.
Migrants regardless of their status, are individuals entitled to dignity and respect, seeking not only safety, but also the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
We also wish to emphasize the positive contributions migrants can make to host societies when supported by genuine integration.
This requires both the willingness of migrants to engage with the language, laws and customs of their new communities, and the openness of host societies to foster inclusion while preserving their cultural identity.
We welcome the special Rapporteurs call for equitable and sustainable migration systems that fully respect human rights, including the recommendation to move beyond excessive reliance on safe country concepts and to establish genuine responsibility sharing mechanisms.
Could the special rapporteur elaborate on the key elements of such mechanisms and explain how humanitarian organizations might contribute to the effective implementation.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thailand thanks the Special Rapporteur for the report.
As a country of origin, transit, and destination, Thailand recognizes the socioeconomic contributions of migrants.
We concur that expanding pathways for regular admission and stay is an effective measure to address situations of vulnerability among migrants.
Remain committed to fulfilling our obligations and strengthening migration governance.
To this end, Thailand has implemented regularization scheme for migrant workers, benefiting more than 1 million migrants in 2025 and enabling greater access to basic services and protection without discrimination, recognizing the harmful effect of immigration detention on children, Thailand also implements alternative to detention and continues to strengthen community based care guided by the best interests of the child.
Thailand works closely with international partners, CSOs, and migrant communities to promote migrant inclusive policies and foster balanced public perception.
Thailand remains convinced that right based migration governance is essential to protecting their human rights.
As a champion country for the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international cooperation to advance CAR objective.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malawi.
Mr.
Vice President, Malawi thanks the Special Apportur for his insightful report on the externalization of migration governance and its human rights implications.
Malawi is deeply concerned that externalization arrangements are increasingly being used to shift the human and financial cost of migration governance onto countries into global south, often through the instrumentalization of development assistance and without adequate human rights safeguards, independent monitoring, or effective complaint mechanism.
These arrangements expose migrants and refugees to serious violations, including reformal arbitrary detention, and family separation while accountability gaps persist for externazing state whose policy failures drive irregular migrants in the first place.
Malaw as a country of origin, transit, and destination, understands that effective migration governance must be grounded international human rights law and genuine responsibility sharing.
Mala's Refugees Act is currently under review by the Malas Law Commission to align Mali's Legal Framework with its constitution values and international obligations.
Malaiousaffirm that 90 94 more individualized assessment and access to effective remedies must remain the foundation of all immigration cooperation arrangement.
Malawi calls on all states to prioritize lights based and transparent migration governance and on the international community to ensure that burdens on global migration are shared equitably and not exercised onto all those list to be.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Eritrea takes note of the report of the Special repertoire, particularly its focus on the externalization of migration governance and its human rights implications.
While international cooperation on migration is essential, the increasing shift toward externalization raises serious concerns.
Policies that transfer migration control beyond national borders often dilute accountability and risk circumventing states human rights obligations.
Such approaches can expose migrants to heightened risks of abuse and leave them stranded in precarious conditions without adequate protection.
Furthermore, all migrants must be permitted to visit their countries of origin without restriction, regardless of their political views.
We are deeply concerned by instances in which these rights are threatened through coercive or forceful deportations from destination countries.
Such practices contravene international law, undermine the dignity and safety of migrants and must be brought to an end.
In addition, migration continues to be politicized in ways that fuel xenophobia, racism, and discrimination.
Disinformation and misinformation often spread through coordinated efforts, distort public perceptions and contribute to harmful narratives that dehumanize migrants and justify restrictive policies.
We call on all states to ensure that migration governance remains fully consistent with international law, international human rights law, and respect of the dignity and safety of migrants.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Special Rapporteur for his detailed and critical report.
We take its findings seriously and share his assessment that externalization can entail serious risks.
We also agree on the need for rigorous safeguards, independent monitoring and accountability.
We actively pursue cooperation with third countries but have not concluded any externalization agreement yet.
Externalization should not aim to shift or dilute responsibility.
However, it may be an instrument for sharing responsibility over what is fundamentally across national matter, potentially supplementing migration management frameworks and the system as a whole.
Through this, migrants rights and dignity must remain central.
The Kingdom of Netherlands is committed to ensuring that any possible future return cooperation fully complies with national, EU and international law.
We therefore consider it important to explore in a transparent and evidence based manner under which strict conditions cooperation with third countries on return could contribute to human and orderly migration management and preserve protection space.
In this light, we would like to ask the Special Rapporteur based on his findings, what concrete elements would define a best practice model of cooperation with third countries on return that he would consider genuinely human rights compliant.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo.
Vice President Vice President, the delegation of Togo would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report, which highlights the risks associated to the externalization of migration governance.
In Togo's view, migration is a normal social phenomenon, whose supervision and management are prima facie the responsibility of states, whether they are countries of origin, transit, or destination of migrants.
Toco also maintains that migration cooperation must be in line with the spirit of the Global Compact and free of deviant practices such as devolution of responsibilities.
Toco fully takes on its responsibilities on migration.
As a country of origin, Togo manages its migration flows by implementing policies to support the diaspora, to assist the return and to prevent illegal migration.
At the continental level, Toco is leading an ambitious project for the 2021, 2031 decade of African roots in African diaspora.
As for transit, Togo is taking all necessary measures to facilitate entry and migration stay on the territory while combating trafficking and related practices.
Since May 18th, 2026, Togo has exempted all African nationals with a valid passport from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days.
As a country of destination, Togo acceded in 2021 to the Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families and strives to create the conditions for the establishment and social integration of migrants.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.
Colombia Colombia would like to thank the porter for the report in highlighting the risks to human rights of the externalization policies for migration governance to moving and shifting asylum and international protection responsibilities to third countries.
Such policies have an impact on access and identification of people with special needs or in a situation of vulnerability, as well as the survivors of violence.
Colombia has welcomed nearly 3 million migrants and sees a sustained increase in asylum requests, which has meant great institutional, administrative, and financial challenges.
Which is why we know that the response to mixed migration flows and forced displacement requires shared responsibility, capacity building at the national level, and greater international cooperation, respecting the international obligations of states without shifting responsibilities to third countries.
It is to the states where the people seeking protection are the ones that need to consider the request for international protection and to guarantee effective access to asylum.
When countries use externaliization mechanisms, they shrink the international obligations in the area of human rights, the protection of refugees or due process.
My country reiterates a strong commitment to the right to request asylum, international protection, and the respect of the principle of non refument.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.
President Vice President Miley would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of this report.
My delegation knows that the externaliization policy for migration governance implemented by some countries and some institutions is quite costly and efficient and runs against international law.
It affects the right to asylum as well as the principle of non refoment and basic rights of citizens such as that of leaving their country.
It limits regional mobility, affects economic and social exchanges between countries.
Since 2023, given the results of this new migration strategy, We note that free circulation of people across borders is an opportunity for people to express their desire and integration.
In fact, different figures from NGOs or other institutions involved in following up on the externalization of migration indicate that in spite of thousands invested in this already, this strategy is repressive.
This strategy does not lead to the results it states.
It has risks of torture, arbitrary detention for people expuled from certain third countries.
This feeds into the business of human smuggling, on the one hand and on the other.
It affects third countries.
My delegation reiterates that in the area of migration, states must change the paradigm and develop policies based on the spirit of the Global Compact on migration and the principles of migration justice.
That means partnerships for citizens and finding safe routes, but also solidary policies to welcome and to combat discrimination.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.
S.
Mr.
Vicer, we would like to align ourselves with the statements that have been delivered on behalf of the groups to which we belong.
We take note of the report of the special report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of migrants and recommendations on the protection and promotion of migrants rights and human dignity.
For Kuwait, it is important to adopt an inclusive and balanced approach when it comes to migration in such a way that preserves countries' sovereignty, international commitments, and preserve the rights of migrants and their dignity without discrimination, namely children and women.
We concur with the special Rapporteur's recommendation to observe international law and human rights.
Based on the above, it is very important for us to address root causes of irregular migration, namely when it comes to armed conflicts and humanitarian crisis.
Mr.
Vice Chair, we reiterate our steadfast position when it comes to observe international relevant governance to support humanitarian and development efforts in order to support communities suffering from crisis and catastrophes.
We believe in international solidarity to address root causes of migration and asylum.
In a framework of international interaction.
What are the mechanisms that can be adopted in terms of international cooperation and migration, namely when it comes to border management, protection of migrants rights, and shared responsibility.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.
Thank you, Vice President.
Peru would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of this report, and we agree that it is important to maintain migration governance based on international cooperation, shared responsibility, and the full enjoyment of human rights.
We are concerned about the conclusions of the report on practices that shift responsibilities of international responsibility for third states and could increase the risk of violations of fundamental rights, namely for people that are most vulnerable.
As a country of origin, transit, destination, and return, Peru has for a decade already faced an unprecedented challenge in the area of migration management.
Given that challenge, we have made great efforts in order to promote migration regularization and progressively increase access of migrants and refugees to essential rights and services.
In that context, Peru believes that it is essential that the response to human mobility prioritize inclusion, integration, and the protection of migrants.
Which is why we're promoting a national migration policy for 2030 and we have close ties of collaboration with UNHCR, the International Attion of Migration, and other UN agencies.
Also, from our participation on the Roundtable, the International Organization of Migration, we promote multilateral responses with solidarity based on human dignity in keeping with the recommendations of the Rapporteur.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.
Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the Special Reporter for his report and we express our concern over the growing practice of externalization of migration governance.
While Afghanistan nationals constitute one of the largest groups in need of resettlement, legal pathways, and to exercise their right to leave are narrowing.
Resettlement programs that once offer protection to vulnerable Afghans are now being suspended or abandoned, leaving thousands stranded in the third countries often in the detention like conditions.
2000-3 and early this year 2025, Nearly 6 million Afghan citizens were returned.
In 2025 alone, more than half of those returns were carried out forcibly.
We are deeply concerned with the recent murky and transitional deals by some European countries with the Taliban regime on deportation and also by the proposal to transfer Afghan nationals to return hubs in the third countries, further widening protection gap and the risk of chain refoldment.
The consequences of return to Afghanistan and particularly grave for women and girls and for former members of the security forces who face systematic under the Taliban rule and cannot be safely returned.
Afghanistan calls on all member states to acknowledge that the condition necessary for safe and voluntary return do not currently exist in Afghanistan and urgently expand legal pathways in line with the international human rights and refugee law obligations.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.
Mr.
Vice President, Sian aligns with the statements of the African Group and thanks the Special Reporter for his comprehensive report.
We wish to affirm on the outside Civilians unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status or origin.
Cilian operates a safe orderly and humane migration policy through effective migration governance that respects the dignity of all migrants while fostering sustainable development and regional integration.
This commitment is deeply rooted in our history.
Friton was the first city that opened its shores and received free Africans who had been subjected to slavery in Europe and North America, a testament to the principle that every person deserves a place of safety, dignity, and belonging.
In this Prialion continues to provide a haven for Salions and other West African West Africans in consular detention and with no right to remain in host Cotuguese or who simply want to return home to West Africa.
We invite the council to recognize this action and that of Cotuguese accepting people from unwelcoming host Couse as granting home and hope to people in vulnerable situation.
My delegation shows this council that Sriion implements all its responsibilities under international law in full conformity with our Constitution and other laws guaranteeing all persons in Syrian protection of personal liberty, including the right to non refformment free movement and protection from arbitrary arrest and detention and inhumane.
Or degrading to G.
Sal will remain a responsible partner in protecting and guaranteeing the rights of all migrants.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.
Vice President, we note the report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of migrants.
Libya has hosted millions of refugees and we have thousands of people who have fled armed conflict in the country.
We provide basic services working with international and local organizations.
The report mentions rescues at sea by Libyan associations and the authorities.
Recently, we saved 15 migrants We believe that it is essential to address the root causes of migration in the countries of origin with economic and social development and provide safe pathways for migration, as well as combating illegal migration.
We are perplexed as to why the report does not address these issues, particularly in transit countries.
Very often, the efforts made by transit countries are ignored despite the challenges they face.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.
Algeria, you have the floor.
I understand that they're absent.
We'll now proceed with the next speaker.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.
Vice President, Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting the report on externalization of immigration governance.
As a country with a long history of immigration, Albania has experienced migration in all its dimension as a country of origin, transit, and increasingly destination.
This experience shape our strong commitment to protecting the rights of all migrants.
We believe that immigration governance should be grounded in solidarity, shared responsibility, and full respect for international human rights.
And refugee law.
In this regard, Albania remain committed to contributing constructively to efforts aimed at addressing immigration challenges through solution that are fully consistent with our international obligation.
We support approach that ensure effective access to protection, uphold fundamental rights, and guarantee transparency and accountability in immigration governance.
We take note of the need highlighted by Special Rapporteur to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring in all arrangement.
Albania remains committed to working with partners to advance safe, orderly and regular immigration while ensuring that the dignity and the rights of every immigrants are fully respected.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
Mr.
Vice President, China attaches great importance to the SS report on the externalization of migration governments.
We express grave concern over the externalizing practices in certain countries as reflected in the report, such as preventing migrants arrival, processing asylum claims outside the country's territory, and transferring migrants to third countries.
This serious law violates the basic rights of refugees and migrants causing irreversible harm to their right to life and right to health.
The issue of refugees and migrants concerns world pace and development and challenges the conscience of human society.
The humanitarian spirit must be carried forward.
All countries must fulfill their obligations under international human rights law and international refugee law and earnestly honor their commitments to protecting human rights.
China has always attached great importance to and actively participate in resolving the issue of refugees and migrants.
We call on the international community to uphold true multilateral, adopt a development oriented approach.
Promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization so that fruits of development can benefit all countries more equitably and assist the countries of origin in developing their economies and improving people's livelihood.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this dialogue.
Before we turn to national Human Rights institutions and non governmental organizations, I'll first give the floor to the National Human Rights Institution of Mauritonia, the concerned country, and now you have the floor.
3 minutes.
Monsieur President Commissioners President the National Human Rights Institution of Mauritania thanks the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of migrants for the presentation of the report and for the visit to Mauritania in September 2025.
We were able to contribute to this visit.
We welcome the constructive approach of the Special Rapporteur and share the position regarding the positive measures taken by Mauritania in the protection of the rights of migrants including adoption of the 2025 law to combat trafficking and illicit movement of migrants and the cooperation with international partners as well as efforts underway to adopt a national legislative framework on asylum.
We also share the concerns regarding the need better to strengthen basic rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, particularly women, children, unaccopanied minors and other vulnerable persons, we emphasize the importance of ensuring procedural guarantees and preventing all forms of arbitrary detention, upholding family unity, and to ensure that the best interests of the child are always taken into account.
However, through our regular presence in migrant sites and observation of operations by the authorities, as well as monitoring in temporary assessment accommodation centers for migrants.
We have not seen any systematic or generalized violations of human rights of irregular migrants, still less sexual abuse, nor institutional practice of confiscation of telephones and other personal items of migrants.
The teams on the ground saw some isolated cases of complaints of presumed violations of human rights.
These situations show the need further to step up prevention and protection, monitoring, and complaint processing systems to ensure that the rights of all migrants are optimally protected in line with our country's international obligations.
The commission makes the following question to the Special Rapporteur.
Given the particular challenges facing transit countries like Mauritania, what specific measures could the international community take to strengthen capacities, I think you.
Thank you.
We will now turn to the list of speakers for National Human Rights institutions and non governmental organizations.
I give the floor to the National Independent Commission of Human Rights of Burundi.
You have the floor.
President Vice President, conditions for entering and exiting Burundi are established by law one slash 25 of fifth November 2021 on migration in Burundi.
Articles 54 to 57 of the Labor Code protect foreign workers in Burundi.
Through certain legal provisions, our law requires that foreign workers have a work permit or a special authorization.
Once a contract is signed, the foreign worker has the same protection as a national worker.
Renewal of work permits has been set at 4% of annual salary instead of the original 3% A joint ministerial dict of seventh July establishes the conditions for opening, operating, and renewing an employment agency on the private market.
We have various agreements and memoranda with foreign partners interested by Burundi workers.
At the start of 2026, there were 64 agencies already accredited by Burundi as recruitment and transfer agencies for Burundian workers seeking work abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries.
Our commission remains convinced that human migration, while disorderly is beneficial for migrants and society as a whole.
However, there must be a full legal framework to that effect, you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission intervention via video.
Distinguished President, members of the Human Rights Council, and the Special reporter on the Human Rights of migrant.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission welcomes the adoption of a national overseas employment law which will improve the protection of Ethiopia migrants.
HRC also appreciates the establishment of Protection Center for migrant returns and victim of trafficking in Radar and urges the expansion of such initiatives.
The commission is concerned that multiple push factors are increasing irregular cross border migration, resulting in serious protection risk and increased pressure on response capacities.
HRC also expresses deep concern regarding grave violation of human rights of Ethiopia migrants abroad.
The commission notes that the inconsistent application of asylum process and registration has put asylum seekers in undetermined legal status forcing them to seek dangerous ways.
HRC calls on the Ethiopian government to strengthen the protection of migrant workers, including by ratifying the Convention for the protection of the right of all migrant workers and members of their families and stepping up efforts to expand rights based bilateral labor agreements.
HRC calls for the establishment of asylum process that would provide clarity on the status of foreigners who seek protection in Ethiopia.
HR also urges all states where Ethiopia migrants are present to adopt human rights approach to migration governance.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of CELS for intervention by video.
Joint statement.
President, we welcome the rapporteurs presentation in Argentina note with concern the growing association between migration and security.
In recent months, this narrative has translated into regulatory reforms, controlled practices and discourse that presents migrants as a public security problem that must be solved by police officers.
The immigration reform by decree in 2025 incorporated obstacles to accessing and maintaining irregular immigration status based on economic solvency, especially affecting impoverished migrants.
The imposition of economic barriers pushes the migrant population towards irregularity.
Police control operations multiplied surrounded by stigmatizing propaganda around migrants.
These disproportionate operations reinforced stereotypes that define migrants as an issue that must be addressed by the police.
Police control operations accompanied by stigmatizing discourse construct the figure of an internal enemy to justify deployment of security agents.
This strategy aimed at the management, control, and persecution of migrants, generates further discourages contact with public insurgents and hinders access to fundamental rights.
Mr.
Rapporteur, what measures do you recommend to address the securitization of migration and ensure that migration policies are based on inclusion, equality, and rights? Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Protestant agency for their Cone and Development for a joint statement.
Mr.
Vice President, externalization has become a fundamental pillar of migration governance.
However, as the report of the Special Rapporteur shows, it's not a pillar that strengthens the international protection system, it actively undermines it.
It has become a strategy of states to evade international obligations, including the duty to offer protection and respect the principle of non reform.
We are especially worried about current trends like third country deportations of the US government or plans of the member states to establish a turn ups.
Given the high risk of human rights violation associated with these agreements, we call on states to stop transfer of asylum seekers or other immigrants, including those with international protection concerns to third countries without their consent.
In his current report, the Special Rapporteur stresses that human rights obligations of externalizing states do not stop at their borders.
However, he notes they often fail to carry out proper risk assessments or human rights monitoring.
This is entirely consistent with our own experience.
We strongly support the Special Rapporteur's demand to establish an independent international human rights mechanism to monitor externalization policies.
At the same time, we call on states to fulfill their extra territorial obligations arising from externalization.
Many of our partner organizations in the global South regard externazation as a form of racial exclusion, an international architecture of migration control that follows a racist logic determining who is worth your protection and who must be stopped at all cost.
We are grateful to the Special Rapporteur for echoing this in his report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Africa Culture International.
Mr.
Chair, we would like to thank the special Rapport Mr.
Chair, we would like to bring the council's attention to the situation of migrants in North Africa.
Despite international commitments, many migrants still face serious violations of their basic rights.
We express our deep concern regarding the refoulement of migrants from Algeria to the Desert of Niger without procedural guarantees regarding their vulnerabilities.
The Special Rapporteur has described such practices as being contrary to international law and contrary to the principle of non refoulement.
Testimonies show cases of enforced disappearance and limited access to protection.
On the other hand, we would like to highlight the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco within the framework of its national immigration and asylum strategy based on humanistic approach that respects human rights.
This policy has enabled the regularization of thousands of migrants and access to health services, education, vocational training, and employment.
Morocco has also set up several reception and support structures for migrants and refugees, namely in Rabb, Casablanca, Ushda and Saleh in partnership with international organization President interrupts.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Sikh Taher Azawi charity organization.
Cider Lisa Awa in Awajhatlibya Dat and Med.
Thank you, President, for years.
Libya has faced increasing unprecedented pressures from irregular migration, which is beyond its capacity and there's a heavy burden on its national security, public order, and stability.
The people's source of our legitimacy exercise their right to protest.
Under Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, we have the right to protect our borders.
And this is guaranteed as a sovereign right by international law and the Charter of the United Nations, it is inalienable and not subject to dictates.
Libya reiterates its commitment to humanitarian obligations, categorically reject any attempt to use this as a pretext to impose resettlement policies or impose responsibilities that are disproportionate to our capabilities or violate our sovereignty.
Through cooperation in this regard does not begin with pressure on Libya, but with respecting sovereignty, sharing responsibility, strengthening capacities, and protecting our people's right to security and self determination, thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Reform A.
President Mr.
President, thanks the rapport, Mr.
May for his report on the externalization of migration.
This report is timely.
Entry of the recent developments and migrant transfer agreements with some African countries.
Our organization takes into account concerns about effective access to asylum procedures, procedural guarantees, and continuative protection for the persons concerned.
We attach great importance to the individualized assessment of each situation accordance with states international human rights obligations, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Reform would like to recall that the African partner countries of these agreements themselves have human rights obligations towards the persons transferred to their territory regardless of the bilateral agreements concluded.
ReformF supports the Special Rapporteur's calls for greater transparency and migration cooperation agreements, human rights impact assessments, and truly independent monitoring mechanisms.
Thus, we support the establishment of the international follow up mechanism.
Mr.
Vice President, in conclusion, Reform would like to know Mr.
Maddy's opinion on the consequences of outsourcing policies on the rights of migrants in Africa.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Friends World Committee for consultation.
Thank you.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for drawing attention to the grave human rights risks of the increasing externalization of migration governance.
Lack of transparency itself threatens human rights, so the report's compilation of recent developments is timely.
States have the sovereign right to manage their borders but must do so in line with their international obligations.
We call attention to two aspects of the report.
First, some externalization practices are, in effect, commodifying human beings, using them as bargaining chips by incentivizing third states to receive and detain them in return for financial assistance.
This is sometimes funded through development aid while actual sustainable development funding is cut and asymmetry in bargaining power raises questions on the use of pressure in concluding such arrangements.
People should never be traded for money.
Second, this council should be appalled that the report details violations even of absolute rights and peremptory norms, including no refument torture, enforced disappearance and slavery.
For these reasons, QA fully supports the call to establish an independent international monitoring mechanism to investigate and report on human rights violations and abuses from migration governance at borders and in transit.
Note the ongoing call of more than 250 civil society organizations for such a mechanism.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Defense for Children International.
DCI welcomes the opportunity to speak on behalf of the NGA Panel on Children deprived of Liberty.
We thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and for highlighting the far reaching consequences that the externalization of migration governance has on the rights of children.
The NGA Panel is deeply concerned by the growing trend towards the externalization of migration governance.
Such policies risk violating children's rights and exposing them to deprivation of liberty, a well documented form of structural violence against children with serious and lasting impacts on their physical and psychological well being.
The detention of children on the basis of their own or their parents' migration status is never in their best interests and is incompatible with children's rights.
We remain concerned that the transfer of migration responsibilities to third countries increases the risk of child rights violations while weakening oversight and accountability.
Such measures may undermine children's rights to seek asylum and the principle of nonfu.
In particular, the implementation of so called return hubs, risks leading to the prolonged deprivation of liberty of children.
As highlighted in the Special Rapeur's report, externalization measures may also result in family separation causing further harm to children.
We call on member states to ensure that all migration and asylum policies affecting children are subject to independent monitoring, effective oversight, and child rights impact assessments with meaningful access to remedies for children whose rights have been violated, and to ensure that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all migration related decisions, and that children have access to child sensitive asylum procedures, legal assistance, and appropriate guardianship and representation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Caritas internationalist for a joint statement.
Vice President, Caritas and the co signing organizations, welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur.
As faith based organizations accompanying migrants and displaced persons around the world, we witness daily the human consequences of policies that prioritize deterrence over protection, human rights, dignity and durable solutions.
We are concerned by the externalization of borders, which weakens accountability and access to protection.
These developments are increasingly reflected among others in a range of EU migration and asylum policies which prioritize coercion, for return, detention, and external processing arrangements.
Such approaches risk increasing migrants vulnerability and stigmatization while restricting access to rights and effective remedies.
We are particularly concerned by proposals for so called return hubs in third countries.
These arrangements risk shifting states responsibilities under international human rights and refugee law beyond effective human rights oversight and accountability.
As the Pope reminds us, human dignity has no passport and does not lose its value when crossing a border.
Human dignity must remain at the center of migration governance.
Mr.
Vice President, we urge states to reject a return at all costs approach and instead promote migration policies rooted in respect for human rights, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of World Organization Against Torture.
I understand they're absent.
Give the floor to the representative of Papa Giovni 23.
President, APG 23, thanks to the Special Rapporteur for drawing attention to the externalization of migration governance.
We are deeply concerned by the growing use of such policies, we shift accountability, militarize border control, facilitate pushbacks, and normalize violence.
Even the European Union Migration Pact raises concern by further externalizing migration policies through external examination procedures, expanded use of detention and offshore return hubs.
As NGO working on the ground, we are aware of the severe impact of such policies.
Testimonies from Libya document arbitrary detention and torture.
In Greece, migrants are often unlawfully pushed back and those granted international protection, have to leave the camps and face homelessness and isolation while struggling against policies that prioritize deterrence over protection.
All these practices are directly linked to externalization dynamics that place migration control above the protection of human rights.
Recalling the question of Poplio, what kind of world have we built if so many brothers and sisters must risk death to seek life? Yet walls are erected at borders, vulnerabilities are ignored.
Misinformation is weaponized.
No migration status should ever overcome the life and dignity of every person.
We endorse the Special Rapporteur's recommendation on a human rights monitoring mechanism and call for a migration governance grounded in human rights and accountability.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Chinese Association for International Understanding.
Mr.
Vice President, speaking for the Chinese Association for International Understanding, I'm Being Associate Professor at Square Floor Southeastern University.
I thank the special Reporter for his report on the externalization of immigration governance.
We inroce its central premise, every immigrant is a right holder, whatever status and no state can share its human rights obligations by relocating border control beyond its own territory.
Where state access effective control, responsibility values, delegating functions to third states or private actors must never create units of legal invisibility.
We share it concerns that optical cooperation arrangement and the spread of surveillance and artificial intelligence tools and borders are eroding transparency and accountability.
Universal challenges that demand universal safeguards.
The answer is not cooperation but cooperation of a bad kind grounded in serving equality, good faith, and genuine burden sharing, not burden shifting onto countries of origin and transit, addressing the root cause of first movement above all civil rights to development, reflecting the vision of a community with a shared feature in which the dignity of every person on the move is upheld.
We will ask the special report which accountability mechanism can best keep extraterrmgration arrangement form with international human rights law.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this dialogue.
I now give the floor to Mr.
Mady for his concluding remarks.
You have 2 minutes, sir.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I'll try to answer some of the question.
First, to the Netherlands, so far, I did not identify any best practice, but rather human rights violation through the implementation of externalization policy.
If you go back to my recommendation of my previous report and the one before you, you will see that I call on states not to conclude agreement with third countries before conducting assessment of the whole human rights situation in the country.
To Morocco, Guatemala, and Malta, genuine responsibility sharing mechanism would promote equitable cooperation grounded in human rights and international solidarity.
The reception of the protection of the responsibility, support of host countries, stronger search and rescue capacities, family reunification, labor mobility, and cooperation to address drivers of displacement humanitarian organization can contribute through technical expertise.
To Brazil, detention of children must be prohibited in law and practice as it is never in the best interests of the child.
Well, in conclusion, I thank you all for this dialogue and hope to continue with this conversation throughout this week during the four externalization related side events, the first of which is tomorrow at noon in Room Concordia one.
Thank you very much.
I'm also available for any bilateral meeting in order to better to elaborate on the recommendation in my report and to assist states to comply with their international obligation.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue.
I wish to thank Mr.
Gehad Mahdi for his participation.
We will now take a very short break before holding the interactive dialogue with the special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
Thank you.
Please take your seats.
We'll resume our meeting.
We'll now continue the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
Let me welcome the mandate holder, miss Soban Muli.
If I can pronounce it correctly.
The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes.
I now give the floor to miss Muli to present the reports.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Vice President, Excellencies, colleagues.
As I present my final report as UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, I want to take the opportunity to recall the key priority areas of work over the six years of my mandate and the continuing priorities for action to combat all forms of trafficking.
My work as a mandate holder has been supported over the last six years by excellent colleagues at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
I want to take the opportunity to thank and acknowledge the support and expertise of Human Rights Officer Clara Pasquaal, who has worked with me throughout the six years of my mandate and whose expertise and strategic guidance has been critical to our joint work to promote the human rights of trafficked persons.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of former Human Rights Officer Rosa Minju Kim and thank her for her excellent work.
I have benefited from the guidance of dedicated management staff at the Office of the High Commissioner and would like to thank in particular, Uri Halstein and Lucy Verma.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Federica Donati with whom I have had the pleasure to work with both on my mandate as a unit manager, as head of the special Pros branch as it was, and through the critically important work of the platform of independent experts in refugee rights and on the Addis Ababa roadmap to strengthen and deepen engagement with regional mechanisms.
I also want to thank Natalie Rondeau not only for her support for the Coordination Committee of the Special Procedures on which I served, but also for her tireless work to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of the special procedures system.
I acknowledge and thank the work of the High Commissioner to strengthen the human rights pillar of the UN against continuing threats to our fragile but ever more necessary human rights protection system.
I've had the privilege throughout my term of engaging with survivors and victims of human trafficking.
Their demands for justice and wisdom and expertise on how to strengthen prevention, protection, and accountability measures have guided my work throughout this mandate.
I am deeply grateful for this engagement, and I have and will continue to work to bear witness to the human rights violations endured and most importantly, to advocate and call for action, urgent action, recognizing the fierce urgency of now.
In my work, building on the work of my predecessors, I have highlighted continuing gaps in prevention, protection, and access to justice for trafficked persons and persons at risk of trafficking in the following areas in particular in conflict and humanitarian situations in the context of the women's peace and security and youth peace and security agendas, and in the context of sexual violence and conflict.
I situations of migration and forced displacement in the laws, policies and programs that fail to ensure prevention of trafficking in persons, and in informal economies and poorly regulated work sectors, in particular in the context of domestic work, agriculture, fisheries, construction, and hospitality.
I've highlighted the importance of effective access to justice and accountability, including for conflict related human trafficking and trafficking in situations of forced displacement, Recalling that the rule of law and effective administration of justice, the independence of judges and lawyers, is essential to combating trafficking in persons and ensuring accountability.
As we mark this week and starting today, the first UN peace building week, I highlight the need to ensure that the prevention of trafficking and protection of trafficked persons is effectively addressed in UN peacekeeping operations and protection of civilian mandates in women peace and security and youth peace and security agendas.
An emerging focus of the mandates work has been on trafficking for forced criminality, including through engagement with the OSCE, at the General Assembly at the launch of the global plan of action on trafficking in persons, at the Human Rights Council sessions at the 61st session, and with the Asean region in working on the non punishment principle, particularly in the context of forced criminality and cyber scamming.
Again, most recently with the Organization of American States on forced criminality, particularly in the context of migration.
In my role as chair and member of the platform of independent experts on refugee rights, I've highlighted the importance of prevention of trafficking among refugees and asylum seekers, including through the multi stakeholder pledge adopted at the Global Refugee Forum.
Through my engagement with the International Migration Review Forum, I've stressed the importance of expanding safe, regular migration pathways, ensuring the rights of migrant workers and their families, highlighting the relevance of gender to migration justice and to prevention of trafficking in persons.
Ensuring just and fair conditions of work, implementation of international labor standards in particular to high risk sectors is essential to preventing trafficking in persons and continued focus on the rights of workers, including migrant workers and their families is critical at this time.
Gender continues to be significant to risks of trafficking.
Men and boys may not be identified or considered credible.
Women and girls are at heightened risk in the context of intersectional discrimination related to gender, race, disability, and social origin.
I have also highlighted the particular risks endured by LGBT persons, again, due to discrimination, violence, and stigmatization, including in the context of forced displacement and migration.
A key priority of my work has been on child trafficking Given the continued invisibility of children and child rights in many areas of international law, policy and practice, undertaking that work jointly with the SRSG on children in armed conflict.
The rights of persons with disabilities has been neglected and is often absent from anti trafficking laws, policies and programs, and through my joint work with the Special Rapporteur on Rights of persons with disabilities, I've highlighted the need to ensure full compliance with human rights law, in particular, the CRPD, in all measures relating to trafficking in persons.
A key achievement of the work of the mandate has been deepened engagement with the regional human rights bodies, in particular, the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, the Inter American Human Rights System, the Council of Europe, and key partners in the Asia Pacific region.
I'm grateful to the community activists, the courageous human rights defenders, and the victims survivors and survivor led organizations that are working to eradicate human trafficking and who have supported the work of my mandate over the last six years.
We need to work more urgently and human rights must remain at the heart of all action to combat trafficking.
I turn now, Excellencies, to my final thematic report, which focuses on child trafficking in the context of forced displacement, migration, and statelessness.
I examined the heightened risks of trafficking faced by migrant forcibly displaced and stateless children as a result of policy failures, including restrictions on effective access to international protection, the absence of adequate, safe, and regular migration pathways, structural discrimination, and racial injustice.
Child trafficking risks are present at all stages of the migration journey.
Situations of forced displacement.
For unaccompanied and separated children, the risks are greater.
Transit is often the most dangerous phase of the journey for children.
These risks are not inevitable.
Rather, they result from policy failures and the lack of political will that have limited the implementation of the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration and the Global Compact on refugees, including specific commitments to eradicate trafficking.
The failure to ensure safe migration pathways and effective access to international protection forces children into dangerous journeys, enabling both organized and informal criminal networks to profit from their vulnerability and precarity with devastating consequences.
Restrictions on access to international protection, humanitarian visas, resettlement opportunities, and rights based family reunification contribute directly to children undertaking dangerous journeys.
Failure to ensure planned and safe relocation and migration pathways in response to climate change and climate related disasters also increases risk to trafficking, particularly for children who are out of school, displaced from rural to urban areas or across borders, often separated from parents or caregivers and with little or no access to child protection systems.
Although non discrimination is a core principle of international human rights law, exceptionalism has become normalized in the context of migration and forced displacement.
This is most acutely experienced by forcibly displaced and migrant children.
During initial flight, for example, in the context of an ongoing conflict in Sudan, we see that children are exposed to risks of trafficking for sexual slavery, recruitment and use by armed groups and armed forces, and other forms of exploitation.
During mixed and onward migration movements, children are exposed to trafficking for sexual exploitation, extortion for ransom, forced criminality, and other serious abuses.
Children are also trafficked in protracted displacement settings in camps and urban environments.
Families experiencing poverty and lacking access to social protection, and livelihoods are often targeted.
Children are consequently at heightened risk of trafficking, including for hazardous child labor, domestic servitude, forced criminality.
Excellencies, I want to express my grave concern regarding widespread and systematic cuts to humanitarian funding, which severely undermine essential protection systems and such reductions have devastating consequences for efforts to prevent child trafficking and to protect victims.
I want to turn now to the issue of statelessness.
Children comprise more than 40% of the 4.4 million stateless persons and persons of determined nationality worldwide.
Discrimination based on race, gender, immigration status, combined with gaps in nationality laws and inadequate birth registration systems contribute both to de jure and de facto childhood statelessness, heightened risks of trafficking.
I welcome the Angimina Initiative on the eradication of statelessness.
I also highlight the grave risks of de jure and de facto statelessness faced by wounded children with no surviving family members in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza and resulting child protection gaps and recall again the concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Order for Provisional Measures of the International Court of Justice, including with regard to child protection.
I highlight the situation of Rohingya children, statelessness again and the resulting uncertainty and insecurity increases their risks of trafficking.
I visited Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and heard deeply disturbing accounts concerning the risks faced by children and young people who disappeared while attempting dangerous sea journeys.
Serious concerns were also raised regarding abductions and violence in refugee camps, including trafficking for sexual slavery, child and forced marriage.
Reports also highlighted the trafficking of Rohingya boys by armed groups operating in camps and sale of child recruits.
Afghan child migrants and forcibly displaced children face significant legal barriers relating to registration status and de facto statelessness.
The absence of basic documentation, including birth certificates has repeatedly been highlighted as a factor increasing vulnerability to child trafficking.
I highlight again that discretionary citizenship deprivation powers must be exercised consistently with international human rights obligations.
The obligation of non punishment must be respected and I remain gravely concerned that counterterrorism measures, including citizenship deprivation measures are being applied to child victims of trafficking.
The context of age assessment, I highlight the importance of a human rights based approach to ensure effective access to human rights protections and prevention of child trafficking and emphasize the rights of trafficked children with disabilities who are at high risk of trafficking, particularly in the context of transit.
Excellency, I highlight that immigration detention is never in the best interests of children and the obligation of non punishment for trafficked children applies equally to immigration related offenses.
I emphasize again my concerns in relation to asylum externalization measures and migration governance practices that undermine child rights protections and increase trafficking risks.
Throughout my mandate, I have consistently emphasized the urgent need to establish safe, orderly and regular migration pathways, ensure effective access to international protection, including asylum, and eradicate statelessness.
Failure to do so increases the risks of child trafficking.
The consistent availability of credible evidence establishing these links engages the positive obligations and responsibility of states.
That responsibility can no longer be denied or evaded.
Excellencies, I now turn to my country visit report on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I am grateful to the government for the engagement throughout the visit and particularly thank the Ministry of Human Rights for the constructive dialogue.
I also wish to thank the UN country team and in particular the UN Mission Monsco and the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC for their excellent assistance and expert support.
Visited Kinshasa and Otktanga provinces.
The visit took place against the background of ongoing conflict, particularly in the eastern areas in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
I regret the decision by the de facto authorities, M 23 in North Kivu to revoke their authorization for my entry on 19th of July 2025 without prior notice.
Despite the revocation of the permission to enter Goma, I was able to conduct online meetings and consultations with affected communities, humanitarian actors, and key stakeholders.
I acknowledge the substantial steps that have been taken by the government to strengthen both the legislative and policy frameworks aimed at combating trafficking in persons.
I encourage the government to demonstrate leadership in combating all forms of trafficking, including conflict related trafficking in persons and ensuring accountability, notably through its roles in the Security Council and the Human Rights Council.
I am concerned that conflict related trafficking in persons has intensified in the context of ongoing insecurity and widespread impunity in conflict affected areas with devastating consequences for victims and survivors.
The prevalence of trafficking, I would highlight is not confined to the ongoing conflict.
Weakness in the rule of law and the administration of justice, corruption and governance challenges, particularly in relation to the control of mineral resources and illicit mining, combined with systemic gender inequality, sexual and gender based violence and discrimination against women and girls contribute to multiple and widespread forms of trafficking within the state and to limited accountability for victims and survivors.
Women and girls are exposed to high risks of trafficking for sexual exploitation and sexual slavery, particularly around the mining sites.
The prevalence of child trafficking for sexual exploitation in mining areas is alarming, as is the prevalence of child labor, including hazardous forms of child labor that may amount to trafficking.
I call upon the government to continue its work and to ensure sufficient resources and capacity for victim centered and survivor centered responses to trafficking, to prevent the recruitment and use of children in a conflict situation, and all parties to the conflict to commit to an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and to address the root causes of conflict, including impunity for illicit extraction of natural resources and conflict related trafficking.
Excellencies, I turn now to my final report on the country visit to Chad.
Again, I thank and I'm very grateful to the government of Chad for the cooperation shown before, during, and after the visit.
I note that Chad is facing one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the Sahel region resulting from the convergence of several factors, including forced displacement, regional conflict, climate change, and environmental degradation, combined with weakness in the rule of law and administration of justice, and chronic fragility of basic social services.
I acknowledge and highlight Chad's history of hosting refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, maintaining open borders for refugees when others have closed borders.
Currently, Chad is hosting over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees.
The majority of those forcibly displaced from Sudan are women.
And children.
The lack of international support to the host community and recent severe humanitarian funding cuts have overwhelmed essential services, contributing directly to heightened risks of trafficking in persons among refugees and limiting capacity to provide essential services.
I am also concerned at the limited attention given to trafficking for sexual exploitation and other parts of Chad and the failure to ensure effective investigations and to effectively combat impunity, including situations around the northern areas in the gold mining zones.
Again, I would express concern that trafficking of children for sexual exploitation is not openly acknowledged and remains taboo with devastating consequences for the children affected.
I call for urgent action by the government to combat impunity and remain available to assist.
Thank you.
Thank you.
According to our practice, we shall now start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chad.
You have 5 minutes.
Thank you, President of my delegation.
Thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting her report.
Chad welcomes this high quality analysis which sheds light on the close links between humanitarian crises, forced movements of populations, risks of statelessness, and increased exposure of children to trafficking in its different forms.
The report rightly recalls that child work is refugees, IDPs, and stateless children are among the most vulnerable categories and need greater protection from the international community.
President.
Chad attaches great importance to cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, in particular, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council.
Thus, in the spirit of openness, dialogue, and transparency, we received the official visit of the Special Rapporteur and facilitated discussions with the national authorities, humanitarian partners, United Nations agencies, and other stakeholders.
Chad's government welcomes the constructive approach of the Special Rapporteur and the focus on the specific realities of our country.
At the heart of a region marked by a number of security and humanitarian crises, Chad is today one of the main countries receiving refugees in Africa.
As the Special Rapporteur has just mentioned, The start of the Sudan conflict in 2023 led to us receiving millions of Sudanese refugees, including a large proportion of women and children, as well as Central African Republic, Niger, and other refugees.
This situation puts considerable pressure on national resources, social infrastructure, health and education systems, as well as child protection mechanisms.
Despite these constraints, Chad remains faithful to its tradition of hospitality and respect of international commitments for the protection of refugees and human rights.
President.
My government shares the concerns expressed by the report regarding the risk of trafficking facing children in situations of forced displacement.
These risks are exacerbated by poverty insecurity, family separation, lack of documentation, and fragile protection mechanisms.
Our president is aware of the risks facing our country and child has undergone wide ranging reforms to upgrade the prevention mechanism and the mechanism to combat trafficking while strengthening national child protection systems, particularly for children who are displaced.
We have a specific legal framework that criminalizes trafficking and protects victims.
Institutional coordination mechanisms have been established to improve cooperation among the different administrations, the security forces, the legal authorities, and international partners.
Furthermore, shared has adopted a national action plan to combat trafficking to 2027, which in particular focuses on improving prevention, identification and care for victims, capacities of stakeholders, and legal consequences for perpetrators.
We also attach particular importance to registering births, preventing statelessness, and remain fully committed to implementing the Gemini Initiative to eradicate statelessness in Central Africa.
We continue our efforts to bring the civil registry services closer to people, particularly in the zones where refugees are hosted.
In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to continue cooperating with the Special Rapporteur and all international relevant mechanisms.
My country remains determined to strengthen the protection of children, combat all forms of trafficking, and promote sustainable solutions based on human rights and international solidarity, as well as protection of the most vulnerable.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
You have 5 minutes.
Democratic Republic of Congo.
I understand that they're not in the room.
The list of speakers is now closed.
I now invite interested delegations to ask questions to the special rapporteur and make comments on her reports.
The speaking time is 1 minute, 30 seconds for all.
I'd like to recall that the duration of interactive dialogue is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
However, if time permits, additional delegations will be able to speak.
Accordingly, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg on behalf of a group of countries.
You have the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, I have the pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of our longstanding Bens Union, Belgium, the Kingdom of Netherlands, and my own country, Luxembourg.
We align with the statement of the European Union.
Child trafficking remains a grave and persistent violation of human rights.
Children in situation of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement are exposed to heightened risks driven by discrimination, unsafe and irregular migration pathways, and gaps in access to international protection leading to acute vulnerability.
Traffickers exploit this and force them into forced labor, sexual exploitation, and child marriage.
Their networks must be broken down.
These risks are compounded by gender inequalities with girls facing heightened risk exposure to certain forms of abuse.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report.
We welcome it's clear and evidence based analysis and emphasize on the need for strengthened rights based responses.
Trafficking in children constitutes a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights.
We recall the obligation of all states to act with due diligence to prevent and combat trafficking.
It's imperative for states to protect all children without discrimination and to ensure effective access to international protection.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.
Mr.
Vice President, the EU thanks DSR for the report and presentation today.
The reports focus on child trafficking in the context of statelessness and migration, sheds light on a group exposed to multiple vulnerabilities and too often falling through all safety nets.
It is our long standing position that states, whether countries of origin, destination, or transit, have a responsibility to take measures to prevent and fully eradicate trafficking in human beings.
This includes ensuring accountability, including by countering impunity and improving the situation of victims and survivors.
Effectively combating criminal networks and other actors facilitating this.
Identifying, protecting, supporting, and empowering victims and survivors of trafficking are essential.
Call on all states to prevent trafficking, to protect victims, and increase awareness among groups most at risk, maintaining a victim and survivor centered, gender responsive and child sensitive approach, and to ensure effective prosecution of perpetrators.
Madam Special Rapporteur, how could we best implement the survivor centered, gender responsive and child sensitive approaches you have mentioned? As this is your final report, let me express the EU's gratitude for your work and dedication.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany on behalf of a group of countries.
Mr.
Vice President, this statement is delivered on behalf of Jordan, the Philippines and Germany.
Since its creation in 2004, this mandate has put the focus on one of the gravest violations of human rights and human dignity.
Trafficking treats people as a mere commodity.
It strips them of the most fundamental freedoms and rights.
In selecting their victims, traffickers prey on the people most, desperate, and vulnerable.
In this context, Madam Special Rapporteur, we welcome the focus of this year's report on trafficking of children in situations of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
We are appalled by the fact that one of the three Trafficked persons is a child.
We share your concern that the lack of safe and orderly migration routes heightens the risks, in particular for unaccompanied children.
Trafficking remains a truly global crime which can only be dealt with in close cooperation of the countries of origin, destination, and transit.
Unfortunately, the issue of trafficking in persons today remains at least as pressing as it was in 2004.
Estimates suggest that the number of people trafficked quadrupled to roughly 130,000 persons a year since then.
We welcome very much that this council decided last year to extend the work of this mandate and combine it with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, another grave human rights violation that often goes hand in hand with trafficking.
Madam Special Rapporteur, in closing, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your hard and substantive work over the past six years carrying the torch of this mandate with rigor, passion and dedication.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group.
Thank you, Vice President, I make this statement on behalf of the Arab group.
The trafficking of persons has wide ranging repercussions against women and children in particular.
To prevent this crime, international efforts must join forces and legal frameworks at the national level must be shored up.
We have also noted the report and its emphasis on the rights of Palestinian displaced children in Gaza who are suffering greatly in particularly unaccompanied children and those separated from their families who are often the most vulnerable president.
We are committed to international cooperation to counter this crime and eliminate it through a participatory approach with assistance mechanisms.
We believe that costs must be shared and no effort spared to address this danger.
In that may not undermine development efforts and ensure that capacity building, training, and accountability can be guaranteed to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms that leave no one behind.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African group.
Mr.
Vice President, the African group remains deeply concerned by the heightened vulnerability of children to trafficking, exploitation and abuse in situations of migration, displacement, and statelessness.
Children in vulnerable situations continue to face multiple and intersecting risks, often exacerbated by conflict, humanitarian crisis, poverty, environmental challenges, and limited access to essential services.
The African group underscores that the best interests of the child, non discrimination and the protection of child rights must remain at the center of all migration and displacement policies and responses.
Efforts to prevent and combat child trafficking should be accompanied by measures that strengthen child protection systems, improve access to education, health care, civil registration, and social services, and fully support family and community resilience.
The group further emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes that increase children's vulnerability to trafficking.
While enhancing international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building for countries facing significant migration and displacement challenges.
We also stress the need to expand safe, orderly and regular migration pathways, strengthen access to international protection in accordance with international law, and intensify efforts to reduce and prevent statelessness.
Inclusing, the African group remains committed to constructive engagement and international cooperation to ensure the protection, dignity, and well being of all children.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC video statement.
State of East Han Arabia Atari Do you do Ted the job.
Thank you.
We note the report and we're particularly committed to combating trafficking in all its forms.
We have made considerable progress on this by strengthening the legislative and institutional framework, preventative measures, protection and accountability frameworks, and work with international partners.
It is crucial to provide children with effective protection, which is a prompt and Protect them from exploitation and trafficking.
The best interests of the child must be taken into account in all situations.
We must strengthen international cooperation, exchange of information, and support to humanitarian programs and child protection programs.
Furthermore, We must focus on the suffering of the Palestinian children, particularly in Gaza, unaccompanied children and those separated from their families deserve enhanced protection from all forms of trafficking and exploitation.
We stand ready to work with the United Nations and international partners to combat trafficking, protect children, and uphold their dignity and their rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you, Vice President, Special Rapportur.
The Nordic Baltic countries thanked the Special Rapporteur for her report on child trafficking in the context of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
The Special Rapporteur points out that globally, one in three trafficked persons is a child.
An estimated 4.4 million people are stateless or of undetermined nationality, nearly half of them children.
Behind these figures are vulnerable children, girls and boys who are uprooted, invisible, and unprotected.
Migrant, forcibly displaced and stateless children are too often left without legal status, without safety, or without a voice, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Around 800 million people have no form of ID, half of them children.
Providing digital identification enhances security for people because it cannot be taken away or lost like paper based ID.
We are like you, Special Rapporteur, deeply concerned about the consequences of cuts in humanitarian funding, which undermines efforts to prevent child trafficking and weaken protection systems.
Safe migration pathways and access to international protection remain critical.
We encourage states to act with urgency guided by the best interests of the child to continue efforts to ensure accountability and access to justice.
Special Rapporteur, what do you see as the most important to improve international collaboration, aiming to reduce the risk of child trafficking? I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.
Thank you, Vice President, Distinguished Special Rapporteur, thank you for your report, which presents the high risks of migrant children becoming victims of human trafficking.
The international community consistently combats the crime of trafficking in persons on the basis of relevant treaties and coordination mechanisms such as the UN Global plan of action to combat trafficking persons to strengthen joint actions on June 5th at the 35th session of the CCP CJ in Vienna, The Initiative countering trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality initiated by Belarus and Kazakstan was adopted by consensus.
The document provides for measures to prevent victims of trafficking being held accountable for crimes committed as a result of their exploitation and to strengthen the protection and support of victims.
It is alarming that in addition to objective difficulties, the fight against trafficking in human beings is hampered by new unfavorable trends in migration management.
Like the Special Rapporteur on migrants, you expressed concern about the European Union Pact on migration, Asylum and the externalization of migration regulation.
In your opinion, what measures can United Nations human rights structures take to prevent the human rights risks that are foreseen in connection with the new European Union migration policy.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Gambia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Gambia thanks the special rapporteur for her report on child trafficking in the context of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
The Gambia takes note of the reports focus on the heightened vulnerability of children in situations of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
These circumstances can expose children to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking, particularly where documentation is lacking, family and community support has been disrupted or referral pathways are not activated early enough.
For the Gambia, early identification and referral are therefore central and frontline officials must be able to detect indicators of trafficking, apply child sensitive procedures during screening, interviews, and investigations, and refer children to appropriate protection services, including through the national referral mechanisms for vulnerable migrants and victims of trafficking.
At the national level, the Gambe continues to strengthen its response through the Trafficking in Person Act, the work of NATIP and the National Action Plan Against Trafficking in person 2026 to 2030.
These efforts are being operationalized through capacity building for frontline officials, including training for immigration officers on the national referral mechanisms, screening for trafficking indicators, and distinguishing trafficking from migrant smuggling.
The recent validation of a trafficking in person training manual and facilitators guide further supports a more coordinated and protection centered response.
These efforts will be further complemented by the Immigration Bill 2026, currently before our National Assembly.
Thank you.
Which seeks to modernize I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ghana thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her report.
We note with concern the global migration crisis and in particular, the growing number of migrant children and the inadequacy of protection measures for separated minor and unaccompanied children.
While the efforts made by some states highlighted in the report should be commended, the report indicates that overall, many states have fallen short of adequate protection for migrant children.
Faced with an unprecedented influx of migrants in recent years, Guyana has implemented a myriad of measures to into ALA, identify and address instances of trafficking and ensure access to quality education for migrant children and primary health care for all migrants in keeping with our international obligations and domestic law.
It is important to recall that almost half of the world's migrants are found in developing countries.
As these countries grapple with meeting their own development needs, which is oftentimes complicated by the vulnerability to the effects of climate change, support for migrant groups oftentimes requires the redirection of already strained domestic resources.
Diana would therefore welcome recommendations from the special rapporteur and further support mechanisms to enable developing countries to bolster their child protection systems.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.
Vice President, Rwanda welcomes the special Rapporteur's focus on victims, particularly women and children who are trafficked, recruited, and exploited and displaced.
Regarding the special porteurs visiting the DC, we condemn the instrumentalization of trafficking victims for political ends.
The report contains allegations concerning Rwanda.
However, Rwanda was neither informed of these allegations nor given an opportunity to comment or provide relevant information before the report was issued.
We request that our objection be put on record.
Child trafficking in the DC is driven by crisis of poor governance, corruption, impunity, and collusion between protection services and armed groups.
The presence of more than 260 armed groups, including the DRC backed FDR, is a major driver of trafficking and underscores the need to address root causes to achieve sustained peace.
We the calls for accountability without selectivity.
Victims deserve justice and decisive action addressing the root causes of trafficking.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.
Vice President, Vietnam takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur and appreciates her attention to the protection of children from trafficking in the context of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
Vietnam shares the concern that children in vulnerable situations face heightened risks of trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, child marriage, and other forms of abuse.
We support a child centered, gender sensitive, and victim centered approach guided by the best interests of the child, non discrimination and respect for national laws and international obligations.
Prevention remains essential, including through public awareness, birth registration, education, social protection, strengthened child protection systems, and regular safe and orderly migration.
Vietnam also stresses early identification of victims appropriate assistance and reintegration support, access to justice, and stronger cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks.
In January 2026, Vietnam issued the National Program on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat for 2026 2030 with orientation to 2035 reaffirming our sustained efforts in this field.
Vietnam reaffirms its consistent commitment to preventing and combating trafficking in persons and protecting all children from exploitation and abuse.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNICEF.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, UNICEF welcomes the Special Habs report and its focus on the heightened risk of trafficking faced by migrant refugee, asylum seeking and stateless children.
Children on the move are among the most vulnerable to exploitation.
Family separation, lack of documentation, poverty, and limited access to services can create situations of heightened vulnerability that traffickers exploit.
Unaccompanied and separated children are particularly at risk, often remaining invisible to protection systems and excluded from the safeguards they urgently need.
Preventing trafficking requires addressing both immediate protection needs and the structural drivers of vulnerability.
States should strengthen inclusive child protection and social protection systems, ensure universal birth registration and access to legal identity, and guarantee that all children regardless of migration status can access education, health care, and other essential services.
For children on the move, early identification of trafficking risks, timely referral to specialized services, appointment of guardians for unaccompanied children, access to legal assistance and family community based care arrangements are critical to preventing trafficking and supporting recovery and reintegration.
As conflict, displacement, and climate related shocks continue to expose children to heightened risk of exploitation, we urge states to place children's rights and best interests at the center of all anti trafficking responses we stand ready to support.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.
Thank you, President, we note the report, and we subscribe to the importance of promoting the rights of children and ensure the protection from all crimes.
Kuwait has made significant progress in combating human trafficking and has many local and regional achievements, for example, the sixth session of the governmental forum to combat trafficking in persons in the Middle East, which was held in Kuwait under the topic, protecting rights and promoting justice in the field of combating trafficking in persons in April 2025.
We also have a digital platform for strategic integration and the modernization of protection mechanisms.
And QA has established a package of legislative and regulatory measures and reforms to combat trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants in line with the state's obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the two protocols thereto.
These measures include an ongoing review of legislative frameworks and an increase in penalties.
In October 2024, we launched a multilingual electronic reporting service to receive complaints related to trafficking.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Holy See.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Holy See delegation takes note of the Special Rapporteur's report on child trafficking in the context of statelessness, migration, and forced displacement.
Human trafficking is a contemporary form of slavery and a grave violation of the God given human dignity.
A trafficked child is first and foremost a victim who deserves protection, compassion, and care, as well as the opportunity to rehabilitate rather than punishment for acts arising from injured exploitation.
The crime lies with the traffickers, not the child.
Vulnerability of children on the move is exacerbated by digital systems that can facilitate further trafficking.
The rise of so called cyber slavery, whereby individuals are lured into fraudulent schemes and criminal activities such as online fraud and drug smuggling is particularly disturbing.
Criminal networks often use online platforms and anonymous channels to recruit, control, and transport their victims who are very often minors.
My delegation wishes to emphasize the importance of prevention, protection, libération, and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, establishing safe and regular migration routes helps to deter the activities of traffickers.
In this context, the role of the family is vital, particularly through family reunification and guardianship for unaccopanied children.
In the midst of wars, terrorism and human trafficking and widespread aggression, it is especially important that children experience a culture of life, dialogue, and mutual respect.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.
Mr.
Vice President, Thailand thanks the Special Reporter for her report.
We share concerns over the risk of trafficking faced by migrant, displaced, and stateless children.
We are also concerned over the surge of trafficking in person relating to online scams.
Thailand reaffirms our commitment to promoting and protecting children rights and to the protection of all victims of trafficking in line with our obligations under the CRC, Palermo Protocol, and the commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, orderly and regular migration.
All children born in Thailand are entitled to birth registration, ensuring their rights to be recognized as a person before the law.
In 2024, the Thai Cabinet approved a resolution to expedite the pathway to permanent residency and nationality for over 400,000 stateless individuals.
This policy also ensures children access to basic rights and services, thereby reducing their risk of being trafficked and vulnerability to irregular migration.
For child victims, Thailand plays great importance on providing victim centers and gender sensitive and non discriminatory protection and assistance guided by the best interests of the child.
Thailand will continue to work with the international community to strengthen efforts to eradicate trafficking in person, including children in the context of migration.
I thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this meeting.
Excellency's, distinguished participants.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We will reconvene in the afternoon at 3:00 P.M.
To continue the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and then to hold the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences.
I hereby close the 11th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.