Tackling Forced Labour

New ILO Protocol

At the International Labour Conference held in June 2014 a new legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour was adopted.  The Protocol was adopted by government, employer and worker delegates with 437 votes for 27 abstentions and 8 against.  “The Protocol and Recommendation mark a major step forward in the fight against forced labour and represent a firm commitment among governments, employer and worker organizations to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery,” Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General said. “Forced labour violates the human rights and dignity of millions of women and men, girls and boys.  The Protocol  to Convention No 29 on forced Labour aims to advance prevention, protection and compensation measures, as well as to intensify efforts to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery.  Read more…

In a joint media release the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Employment, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and the Hon Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Justice spoke of Australia’s support for the new protocol.  Read more…