Presentation of the Results of a Study on the Situation of Migrant Women
elitihad , Nouakchott
A workshop to present the results of a study on the situation of migrant women and girls in Mauritania was launched on Wednesday morning at Azalaï Hotel in Nouakchott. The workshop is organized within the framework of the PROMIS project by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The workshop brought together representatives of government sectors and national institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, as well as leaders and representatives of migrant communities.
The workshop aims to present the findings of the study and open a broad discussion with relevant stakeholders around its recommendations, in order to ensure their adoption and contribute to their implementation. It also seeks to share the general framework of the study in terms of context, methodology, results, and conclusions, and to facilitate the exchange of views on priority actions and the identification of practical commitments for implementing the recommendations.
In his opening remarks, the Assistant Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society, Mr. Al-Rassoul Ould El-Khal, stated that the organization of this workshop comes at a time of growing migration challenges. He emphasized that Mauritania, due to its geographical location, is a country of origin, transit, and destination, which calls for strengthening the protection of migrants’ rights, particularly women and girls in an irregular situation.
He explained that the study, conducted in 2025 and based on field missions covering Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and Rosso, represents an important analytical tool for understanding the realities of migrant women and girls, identifying the challenges they face, and assessing their needs. The study adopts a human rights–based and humanitarian approach and is aligned with ongoing legal and institutional reforms, particularly in the areas of combating trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and the protection of victims.
For his part, the Representative of the OHCHR in Mauritania, Mr. Djibo Mamadou, noted that this workshop is part of the implementation of the PROMIS project, which aims to strengthen a human rights–based response to trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and related violations. He pointed out that the study highlights efforts made to protect migrants, while also underscoring the persistent challenges faced by migrant women and girls in an irregular situation, and proposes practical recommendations to enhance prevention, protection, and access to basic services.
In turn, the Head of the Parliamentary Group on Migration and Asylum, Mr. Zine El Abidine El-Mounir, stressed that this initiative reflects an advanced awareness of the humanitarian dimension of migration issues. He affirmed that Mauritania has adopted a humane and responsible approach based on respect for human rights and adherence to international conventions, calling for translating the study’s recommendations into practical commitments that contribute to improving public policies and strengthening coordination among the various stakeholders.
The workshop activities continue with the participation of all partners, with a view to formulating practical commitments that enhance the protection of the rights of migrant women and girls in Mauritania.
