The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, visited Australia from 14 to 27 November 2024. His report released in July found a number of opportunities for Australia to prevent and combat contemporary forms of slavery.
The report states that:
The Special Rapporteur noted that the Australian Government has made significant progress over the years to prevent and combat contemporary forms of slavery, through the adoption of the Modern Slavery Act 2018, the appointment of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, the creation of the Survivor Advisory Council and other important legislative and policy measures. The Special Rapporteur commends the Government for its ongoing efforts nationally and internationally, its constructive collaboration during the visit and its open acknowledgement of the remaining challenges. Australia can serve as an example for other countries to follow.
At the same time, despite many positive steps taken by the Government, the Special Rapporteur witnessed some important gaps and challenges that need to be addressed sufficiently. Those range from the need to strengthen criminal law provisions, human rights due diligence among Australian businesses and their supply chains, and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed protection and assistance to victims of contemporary forms of slavery, to widening the scope of protection to those particularly vulnerable to labour, sexual and criminal exploitation in the country
without discrimination, such as migrant workers, asylum-seekers, refugees, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those engaged in sex work.
Further recommendations are available in the report. Read the report here.
