Philippines Leads Adoption of UN Resolution on Trafficking in Person at 53rd Session of Human Rights Council
Philippine Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Carlos D. Sorreta takes the floor at the Human Rights Council to introduce the resolution on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. (Geneva PM photo)
GENEVA 17 July 2023 – The Philippines continues its leadership role on the issue of trafficking in persons, as it steers forward the resolution on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which was adopted by consensus during the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council on 12 July 2023 at the Palais des Nations.
Representing the Philippines as the resolution’s penholder and facilitator, Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Carlos D. Sorreta introduced the resolution to the Council on behalf of the Core Group comprising Argentina, Germany, Jordan, and the Philippines.
“The resolution highlights how States and stakeholders can promote human rights through preventing and combating trafficking in persons,” Undersecretary Sorreta stated. “We believe the resolution was successful in incorporating as many views as possible, while at the same time, remaining true to its vision: to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.”
The resolution renews the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, for another three years. Undersecretary Sorreta noted how the Special Rapporteur has brought attention to key issues and challenges of trafficking in persons and human rights, while also exploring the nexus with displacement, climate change, agriculture, and terrorism.
For this year, the resolution has a thematic focus on trafficking in persons in the agriculture sector. It highlighted new elements related to trafficking in persons, including risks during the migration cycle, challenges in technological platforms, the need to address all forms of discrimination and related intolerances, criticality of robust work and labor policies, and the importance of partnerships, coordination, and enhanced data.
“We endeavored to link the resolution with the report of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in agriculture – a high risk sector, including for women and girls in rural and remote areas, as well as agricultural workers in seasonal, temporary, and circular migration,” Undersecretary Sorreta explained.
Undersecretary Sorreta welcomed the unanimous adoption of the resolution, and thanked all delegations and stakeholders for their constructive engagement and spirit of collaboration.
Since last month, the Philippines has led the Core Group in facilitating three informal consultations with States, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, in order to develop a balanced and comprehensive resolution. The Philippines has been part of the Core Group that has tabled the resolution since 2008, with the last one also adopted by consensus in 2020. END
Second Secretary Jet C. Olfato, Head of the Humanitarian and Migration Section of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva, facilitated the three (3) informal consultations with UN Member States and civil society organizations. He is joined by representatives from Core Group members Argentina, Germany, and Jordan. (Geneva PM photo)
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