People smuggling and human trafficking

Australia's response to forced marriage forms part of the Australian Government's strategy to combat serious forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, slavery, and other slavery-like practices such as servitude and forced labour.

Human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices such as servitude, forced labour and forced marriage are complex crimes and a major violation of human rights. Globally, human trafficking is one of the biggest sources of income for organised crime and causes untold damage to millions of lives.

Modern slavery describes situations where offenders use coercion, threats or deception to exploit victims and undermine their freedom. The Australian Government is taking a global leadership role in combating modern slavery.

People smugglers are individuals or groups who assist others to enter a country through irregular methods. In the case of Australia, people smugglers provide air or sea access.