The Human Rights Commissioner Meets the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Relations with Civil Society, Mr. Sidi Ahmed Benane, held a meeting on Wednesday in Geneva with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Turk, dedicated to discussing prospects for joint cooperation and reviewing updates on the human rights situation in Mauritania.
During the meeting, the Commissioner praised the strong partnership between the Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nouakchott, highlighting the pivotal role played by the office in supporting national reforms, building capacities, and backing programs related to human rights.

He reviewed the progress made in the field of human rights in Mauritania, particularly regarding the fulfillment of international obligations, noting in this context that our country appeared last month before the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and submitted its periodic report to the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. He also highlighted the reception of several visits by the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, including the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, reflecting our country’s openness and positive engagement with UN mechanisms.
The Commissioner also touched on the challenges related to migration management, highlighting the increasing pressures faced by Mauritania due to its geographical location, and affirmed the Mauritanian government’s commitment to addressing this issue in a manner that respects human rights and promotes international cooperation.

In turn, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Mauritania for the efforts it is making to promote and protect human rights, congratulating the Mauritanian government on the tangible progress achieved, particularly in the area of implementing international standards related to the promotion and protection of human rights, where Mauritania can serve as an exemplary model in this field.