SLAVERY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: Human trafficking a local and international concern
Trafficking in persons is considered a form of modern-day slavery and one of the most pressing human rights issues facing the world today.
The UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children defines trafficking in persons as:
1. the action of: recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons
2. by means of: the threat or use of force, coercion abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
3. for the purpose of: exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices, and the removal of organs.
The Australian Government allocated AU$20 million dollars in 2003, over four years, to combat human trafficking. However, we urge the Australian Government to build on this positive step by acting on
the concluding comments of CEDAW, the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Discrimination against Women - 34th session, Febuary, 2006.
These include recommendations that:
1) The Australian government 'should pursue the effective prosecution and punishment of traffickers and other offenders who exploit women on prostitution'. (CEDAW REC: 21)
2) The Australian government 'examine and adopt international good practices in combating trafficking' and 'to consider the extension of temporary protection visas and reintegration and support services to all victims of trafficking, including those who are unable or unwilling to cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of traffickers'. (CEDAW REC: 21)
3) The Australian government take 'effective strategies and programmes to prevent women from entering into prostitution, address the demand for prostitution and support women who wish to discontinue their lives in prostitution'. (CEDAW REC: 20)
4) The Australian government 'increase its funding to non-governmental organisations involved in the provision of services for the promotion of women's rights, including those working in the area of trafficking'. (CEDAW REC: 32)
5) The Australian government adopt 'a full and effective implementation of the Convention' which 'is indispensable for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)'. (CEDAW REC: 35)
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