Aussie gov't announces plans to help end human trafficking in Asia-Pacific region

The Australian government has announced it will be implementing a number of recommendations aimed at targeting and stopping human trafficking and slavery in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a joint statement released Monday by the nation's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, the government said it would work closer with businesses and civil society to "strengthen its response to human trafficking and slavery" both in Australia and in the immediate region.

The recommendations, handed down to the government by Supply Chains Working Group, include "creating a suite of awareness-raising materials for business" as well and "further considering the feasibility of a model for large businesses in Australia to publicly report on their actions to address supply chain exploitation".

The statement said as an incentive, the government would explore the idea of an awards program "for businesses that take action to address supply chain exploitation".

"More than half of all human trafficking and slavery victims are located in the Asia-Pacific," the statement said.

"These initiatives will encourage and equip Australian businesses to take action against possible exploitation in their supply chains and ensure Australia continues to support efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery in our region."

In addition to the recommendations being implemented, the government said it was also "currently pursuing a range of significant policy issues, including labor exploitation, forced marriage and international engagement". Endit