UN Special Rapporteur on Slavery Contemporary Forms: “Mauritania has made great progress toward eradicating slavery and forced labor”

Mr. Tomoya Obokata, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, said that Mauritania had made considerable progress toward eradicating the aftermaths of slavery, forced labor, and other slavery-like practices.

After being received by His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of the Republic, Mr. Obokata stated that he had discussed with the President of the Republic different issues relating to slavery, forced labor, and other slavery-like practices. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery thanked the President of the Republic and the Mauritanian government for the warm invitation to visit Mauritania.

He affirmed that this visit allowed him to have frank, honest, and open discussions with the country’s senior officials. He added that he looked forward to continuing the constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and international organizations, so that together they can eradicate slavery once and for all.

Finally, Mr. Obokata reiterated his thanks to the President of the Republic and the Government for the generous hospitality and constructive engagement.