Greens welcome recommendations to fight human trafficking in NSW

Greens Spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Spokesperson for the Status of Women, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has welcomed the recommendations of the Community Relations Commission in relation to human trafficking in New South Wales, including the establishment of a Human Trafficking Ministerial Advisory Council.

“Human trafficking, including labour and sex trafficking, affects millions of women, men and children around the world and the report has made it clear that it is a problem in New South Wales.

“It is tempting for many to see human trafficking and exploitation as something that happens overseas, but the reality is that this issue must be confronted right here in Australia and in NSW.

“People in precarious immigration situations, such as bridging visas or student visas, are some of the most vulnerable.

“It is vital that the Community Relations Commission engages regularly and frequently with the multicultural community to build awareness and to establish a dialogue on issue of human rights.

“I welcome the recommendations of the report, particularly establishing a ministerial advisory council to coordinate a NSW response and push the federal government to do more.

“Everyone has the right to work freely and be paid appropriately, forced labour and exploitation is something from the dark ages of history and should remain there.

“I particularly welcome the recommendation to urge the Commonwealth to adopt International Labor Organisation standards on domestic workers, who are mostly women who remain one of the least protected and most vulnerable groups”, she concluded.