United Nations Radio

A United Nations expert on contemporary forms of slavery is warning that unaddressed, slavery in all forms may be an obstacle to the stability, sustainable development and prosperity in Mauritania.

Gulnara Shahinian

Ms. Gulnara Shahinian said this on Wednesday at the end of her visit to the country, where she met with government authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, and visited various communities.

She said during her community visits she met with people who fled slavery practices, such as serfdom and domestic servitude, and told stories of those they left behind.

She notes that the government and civil society organizations have taken significant steps to fight against slavery in Mauritania.

However, she adds, a more holistic, collaborative and sustained approach addressing all forms of discrimination together with poverty at all levels of society is required.

The UN expert commends the passing of the law in 2007 to criminalize slavery, pointing out that it provides a clear message that slavery can never be tolerated in Mauritania.

She recommends that in order for the judiciary to effectively use this law, it should be amended to contain a clearer definition of slavery and socio-economic programmes which would act as an incentive for victims to bring cases before the law.

She also suggests that in order to encourage victims to come forward, the law should include provisions that provide for victim assistance and socio-economic programmes for their reintegration into society.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'26")