Special Rapporteur Urmila Bhoola, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, said today in a press release that slavery and slavery-like practices can be eradicated only if the existing laws, policies and programmes are implemented fully and effectively.

The Special Rapporteur commended the Mauritanian Government for taking this important step towards replacing the 2007 anti-slavery law, which proved to be ineffective in terms of prosecution.

Commenting on the new anti-slavery legislation adopted by the Mauritanian National Assembly last week, Bhoola hailed it for giving civil society organizations the right to lodge legal complaints on behalf of the victims – but noted that legal requirements might impede some from doing so. While the law also foresees free legal assistance and refers to victims’ right to reparation, it does not elaborate on modalities.

The rights expert noted that, despite some shortcomings, the new legislation exhibited the Government’s commitment to implement the road map adopted by the Council of Ministers in March 2014 to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery.

“It is necessary that the implementing legislation regarding special tribunals adopts a rights-based approach, including by ensuring the right to an effective access to justice for all victims,” emphasized the Special Rapporteur.