Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons Siobhán Mullally
Statement by Ambassador Michèle Taylor, United States of America
Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Special Rapporteur Mullally, the United States welcomes the priority you have placed on trafficking in persons in the context of climate change, displacement, and disaster risk reduction. Human trafficking disproportionately affects some of the most marginalized and underserved members of our society.
As the United States’ three-year National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking notes, traffickers’ exploitative practices affect every country in the world, including the United States. They diminish and destroy our communities, our sense of security, and the global economy.
Our updated National Action Plan responds to this predatory behavior by addressing the needs of marginalized and underserved individuals, families, and communities and the systemic injustices they face.
The nexus between climate change and human trafficking is consequential. Climate change is a threat multiplier. It increases the vulnerability of marginalized and underserved communities, especially when institutions are weak, poverty and inequality are high, and economies are weather-dependent.
Unfortunately, people who are forced to leave their homes due to extreme weather events may not qualify for legal protections.
Special Rapporteur Mullally, what types of legal protections should Member States provide for persons who are forced to migrate and are at greater risk of human trafficking due to migration resulting from climate change?
I thank you.
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