SLAVERY IN MAURITANIA

Early day motion 116, tabled 26 May 2016 by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes the release of Mauritanian anti-slavery activists Biram Dah Abeid and Brahim Bilal Ramdhane following a decision by the Mauritanian Supreme Court; also welcomes the news that two slave owners, Sidi Mohammed Ould Hanana and Hlehana Ould Hmeyada, have been convicted by the Supreme Court for slavery, each receiving a five year sentence, a fine and an order to pay compensation to the victims; notes that slavery is commonplace in Mauritania, with Haratine women and children most likely to still remain under the full control of their traditional masters; encourages the Mauritanian government to continue taking positive steps to eradicate all forms of slavery and exploitative labour and land practices in Mauritania in line with its international commitments, particularly by implementing the 2015 anti-slavery law so that further cases are vigorously prosecuted by the new courts, and ensuring anti-slavery organisations and activists are able to undertake their work without fear of persecution or reprisals; and calls on the Government to offer assistance to the Mauritanian government and anti-slavery organisations to help end these practices and support the victims.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 19, DUP 2, Independent 2, Labour 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1.