The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, will conduct a visit to Costa Rica from 16 to 25 November 2022.
During the visit, the expert will examine instances of labour exploitation which may amount to forced or bonded labour in various sectors of the economy such as agriculture/agroindustry, tourism, manufacturing and domestic work. Obokata will also assess to what extent the worst forms of child labour prevail in the country and what steps have been taken by the Government and by businesses to eliminate these practices.
The Sustainable Development Goals require States to: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.”
“By becoming a “Pathfinder” country under Alliance 8.7, Costa Rica committed to accelerated action in this regard and I wish to assess what progress has been achieved in ending slavery in the country, what the remaining challenges are and what else is needed to end slavery-like practices, including in the private sector,” Obokata said.
The Special Rapporteur will spend time in San José and Los Chiles, and meet government officials, civil society organisations, trade unions, representatives of the UN and the inter-American system for human rights, international organisations and members of the diplomatic community.
Obokata will share his preliminary observations at a hybrid press conference on 25 November at the UN House, Oficentro La Virgen No. 2, Zona Industrial, Pavas, San José, at 10 A.M local time. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council in September 2023.