Recommendation 252
- Department of Home Affairs
- Attorney-General's Department
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australia is playing a leading role in our region to manage irregular migration and to combat transnational crime, including people smuggling and human trafficking.
As co-Chair of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (Bali Process) and an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, the Australian Government continued to work with countries to develop regional solutions. Australia works with countries, bilaterally and through regional forums like the Bali Process, to establish tougher laws on people smuggling and increase the capability of law enforcement and prosecutorial officials.
Australia provides ongoing support—through the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee agency (UNHCR)—in relation to the reception and processing of irregular migrants in the region. Addressing these issues at their source is critical to any effective regional solution. Australia is a strong and consistent advocate for human rights and improved economic opportunities in the source countries that asylum seekers and refugees are leaving. Australia provides humanitarian and long-term development assistance to source countries to address the root cause of irregular movement.
Australia is committed to meeting its international protection obligations where they are engaged under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees as amended by the 1967 Protocol and other relevant conventions, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Australia further recognises the valuable contribution that refugees and migrants have provided, and continue to provide, to Australian society, culture and prosperity.
Australia has welcomed more than 880,000 refugees and other humanitarian entrants since World War II. Under the Department of Home Affairs' offshore component of the Humanitarian Programme, The Australian Government provides resettlement in Australia for refugees and others in humanitarian need. Australia works with UNHCR to resettle refugees, focusing on those in protracted situations, urban environments and others in need.
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.