Recommendation 232

Consider the elaboration of a national and regional strategy for the prevention of trafficking in human beings and further promote human rights based approach to victims of trafficking

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State
Slovakia
Issue
Human trafficking
International engagement and assistance
Population group
N/A
Australian Government Agency and/or Jurisdiction
  • Attorney-General's Department
  • Department of Home Affairs
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australia's Response
Accepts
Australia's Position

Guided by the National Action Plan, the Australian Government works with other governments, business and civil society organisations to prevent human trafficking and slavery, identify and prosecute the perpetrators, and protect and support victims.
Since the Australian Government's anti-human trafficking strategy was established in 2004, the Australian Government has provided more than $150 million to support a range of domestic, regional and international initiatives.

Key measures include:

  • specialist investigative teams within the Australian Federal Police and an Australian Policing Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons
  • legislation to criminalise human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and measures to protect vulnerable witnesses giving evidence in federal criminal proceedings
  • legislation to introduce a Modern Slavery Reporting Requirement  to require large businesses in Australia to make annual public reports on their actions to address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains
  • a victim support program which provides individualised case management support
  • visa arrangements to enable suspected victims and witnesses of human trafficking and slavery to remain in Australia and support the investigation and prosecution of offences
  • specialist immigration officers posted in our region
  • support for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute human trafficking and slavery-related matters, including funding and training
  • targeted education and awareness-raising efforts, including nationwide training workshops
  • more than $5.3 million in practical support for specialist non-government organisations
  • regional engagement in the Asia-Pacific on human trafficking issues through the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime
  • regional activities to deter human trafficking and slavery, train law enforcement officials, and assist victims under Australia's overseas aid program
  • research into national and regional trafficking activities by the Australian Institute of Criminology.

In March 2016, the Australian Government launched the International Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery. The strategy complements the National Action Plan and amplifies our efforts to address these crimes in the region. The strategy sets priorities for Australia's engagement, enhances our leadership and coordination role and facilitates more effective advocacy for regional and international cooperation.

More information on Australian Government policies and programmes on human trafficking and slavery can be found on the Human trafficking page on the Australian Federal Police's website and the Human trafficking and slavery page on the Department of Social Services website. Information on the International Strategy can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. Relevant information is also on the Bali Process website.