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UN and caste-based slavery in Mauritania

UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

Mauritania was reviewed by the UPR Working Group at its ninth session in November 2010. Three countries – the UK, Israel and Ecuador – referred to the caste system or caste-based slavery in their interventions. Both Israel and Ecuador made recommendations on abolishing the country's caste system. The Government of Mauritania committed to responding to these recommendations no later than the 16th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2011.

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UN TREATY BODIES

Mauritania was examined by CERD in 2004 and by CRC in 2009, where both Committees expressed concern about the persistance of caste-based slavery.


UN SPECIAL PROCEDURES

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Ms Gulnara Shahinian, visited Mauritania in October-November 2009. Her report (A/HRC/15/20/Add.2) was presented to the 15th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2010. It contained numerous references to caste-based slavery.

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Mr Diène, visited Mauritania from 20 to 24 January 2008 at the Government’s invitation.


DOCUMENTATION

> Slavery in Mauritania (Anti-Slavery International website)

> Forced labour in Mauritania (Anti-Slavery International Briefing Paper 2008)