Press release informing that UN appointed a Special rapportuer on Contemporary Forms of Slavery to fight them. This decision is the result of a strong advocacy and lobbying action perfomed by Franciscans International together with Anti Slavery International

In 2002, Fr. Joseph Legonou OFM was the first Franciscan to publicly speak at the United Nations on contemporary forms of slavery occurring in West Africa and especially in Togo. Today, on September 28, 2007 the Human Rights Council decided to appoint, for the period of three years, a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery. The first new special procedure adopted by the Council since its creation in June 2006; the appointment represents a culmination of the efforts undertaken in the past 12 months by Franciscans International, who, in conjunction with Anti Slavery International, advocated for the establishment of this mechanism.

More than 50 countries joined the United Kingdom in co-sponsoring this resolution, which was adopted by consensus. The text acknowledges that contemporary forms of slavery are a global issue which affects all continents and most of the countries of the world. The resolution expresses its deep concern at the increase of the number of people in slavery, at present estimated as a minimum of 12 million.

The new mandate-.holder will examine and report to the Human Rights Council on all contemporary forms of slavery and slavery-like practices, while promoting the effective application of relevant international norms and standards on slavery. The Special Rapporteur will also be entitled to request, receive and exchange information on contemporary forms of slavery and to respond effectively to reliable information on alleged human rights violations with the aim of protecting the human rights of victims of slavery and preventing violations. To eliminate slavery practices whenever they occur, the mandate-holder will also be able to recommend actions and measures applicable at the national, regional and international levels, including remedies which address the causes and consequences of contemporary forms of slavery.

"Fr. Joseph’s intervention, which was followed by many other Franciscans who participated in our training sessions on contemporary forms of slavery, along with Franciscans International’s advocacy efforts have brought their fruits: from now on contemporary forms of slavery will receive the attention, visibility and prominence in the UN human rights system that they deserve. What was a critical gap has today been adequately fulfilled" said Alessandra Aula, FI’s International Advocacy Coordinator.