GENEVA (21 January 2022) – UN human rights experts* today raised serious concerns about the alleged forced labour of a
group of approximately 400 Vietnamese migrant workers, who are reported to be victims of trafficking in Serbia.
According to information received, eight companies, including Vietnamese labour recruitment agencies and Chinese
construction companies registered in Serbia, have allegedly been implicated in serious human rights abuses against
Vietnamese migrant workers.
“We are deeply concerned that these migrant workers may have been trafficked for purposes of forced labour, and have
been living and working in appalling conditions in Serbia, at serious risk to their lives and health,” the independent
experts appointed by the Human Rights Council said.
“We are also very disturbed by allegations that civil society organizations have not been allowed to access to locations
where workers are accommodated in order to provide assistance.
“Urgent action is required to assist and protect the workers at risk, and to prevent further human rights abuses,” they
said, adding States have an obligation to protect trafficked persons and those at risk of trafficking.
“Partnerships and cooperation with civil society, including trade unions, NGOs, and human rights defenders, are
essential to ensure protection of trafficked persons.”
The experts urged the Governments of Serbia, Viet Nam and China to ensure that businesses based in their territory or
operating under their jurisdiction respect the human rights of all workers. “This includes not only the businesses who
rely on migrant labour but also labour recruitment agencies,” they said. The regulation and monitoring of labour
recruitment agencies is also critical for the effective prevention of trafficking for the purposes of forced labour.
As part of their duty to protect against business-related human rights abuses, States must also take appropriate steps
to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims, and to ensure ongoing assistance and protection,
including against refoulement in any return procedures for victims of trafficking, the experts said.
They also highlighted the obligations of businesses to exercise due diligence in ensuring that the rights of all workers
are protected, without discrimination, recognising the particular needs and rights of migrant workers.
The experts have written to eight businesses implicated in the serious human rights allegations in connection with this
case, recalling their obligations of due diligence under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The experts are also in contact with the Serbian, Vietnamese and Chinese authorities.
* The experts: Ms. Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Mr. Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Mr. Felipe González Morales, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Ms. Elżbieta Karska (Chairperson), Mr. Githu Muigai (Vice Chairperson) Mr. Surya Deva, Ms. Fernanda Hopenhaym Ms. Anita Ramasastry Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.