Ræða í umræðu um mansal

Þorvarður Atli Þórsson, sendiráðunautur, gerði í dag grein fyrir nýrri aðgerðaáætlun stjórnvalda í mansalsmálum í gagnvirkri umræðu með þátttöku sérstaks skýrslugjafa mannréttindaráðsins um nútímaþrælahald.

Clustered interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and the working group on the use of mercenaries

9 September 2019

Statement by Iceland

Thank you Mr. President,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery for her comprehensive report.

Slavery is not a problem of the past. Modern slavery remains widespread in all parts of the world. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur is central to international efforts to eradicate it and Iceland will continue to fully support it.

Mr. President,

We want to welcome the innovative method of submitting a summary of the report of the rapporteur and would like to take this opportunity to address a question posed regarding specific steps taken by the Government.

In this context, I would like to mention that the Icelandic Ministry of Justice issued its Emphases in Actions to Combat Human Trafficking and Other Forms of Exploitation in March this year that will serve as the new action plan on this issue. 

The new action plan includes numerous points that are to be implemented to combat human trafficking and labor exploitation, and include the revision of current legislation, regulations and administrative directives on how to identify the victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The actions are furthermore designed to provide assistance and protection to the victims. 

Mr. President,

We would like to thank the Rapporteur for placing an emphasis on the likely heavy impact of climate and environmental change on slavery and increased vulnerability these changes will result in for billions of people. It is important to raise this point as we continue to grasp with the impact of climate and environmental change in every aspect of our lives.

How do we make sure that actions to combat climate and environmental change take into account the increased vulnerability of individuals to modern slavery?

I thank you