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.
- Concluding Observations on caste-based slavery in Mauritania
- Read more about UN treaty body reviews of caste affected countries
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.
- Read the report here (paragraphs 9, 10, 12, 17, 51 and 105 are particularly relevant)
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Mr Diène, visited Mauritania from 20 to 24 January 2008 at the Government’s invitation.
- Read the observations from the country visit
- Read more about the UN Special Procedures and caste discrimination
DOCUMENTATION
> Slavery in Mauritania (Anti-Slavery International website)
> Forced labour in Mauritania (Anti-Slavery International Briefing Paper 2008)
