Supporting women and Girls
In 2021 the theme for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (31st July) was Victim Voices Lead the Way. To mark this day the Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Home Affairs, and The Hon Jason Wood MP, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, released a media statement. The statement indicates the governments commitment to focus on the protection of women and children from people smugglers and human traffickers. Minister Andrews stated:
“Silence empowers human traffickers and people smugglers. This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons I want victims to speak up and speak out against this horrible crime. Sadly, young women and children are the most vulnerable to being trafficked – but help is available, and the Australian Federal Police have had several notable successes freeing victims and bringing offenders to justice.
Today, my message is simple: raise your voice on this important issue, educate yourself and others about this serious crime and the impact it has on victims, and ask for help if you need it.”
The statement also refers to Australia’s first conviction of exit trafficking this year. A 29- year-old NSW man was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment for forcing a woman and her child to travel to India.
Access a copy of the media release here.
