Australian Human Rights Commission
Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee, 18 September 2017
146.
The Commission commends legislative amendments that strengthen
Australia’s response to human trafficking, including by recognising various
slavery-like practices as offences181 and extending witness protections to
victims of trafficking.182
147.
The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons recommended the
Government establish a federal, comprehensive compensation scheme for
survivors of trafficking.183 The Commission encourages the Government to
develop such a scheme.184
148.
The Commission is concerned by a lack of data and research on the
prevalence of child trafficking and slavery in Australia.
149.
The Commission considers that specific policy guidelines and support services
need to be developed to protect the rights of child survivors of trafficking and
slavery.185
150.
The Commission notes that unregulated international surrogacy arrangements
raise concerns about the potential for the trafficking of women and children.186
The Commission acknowledges the recent parliamentary inquiry and report
into the regulatory and legislative aspects of international and domestic
surrogacy arrangements, Surrogacy Matters.187
Recommendation 59: That the Australian Government fully implement
the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–
2019; develop a federal compensation scheme for survivors of human
trafficking and slavery; ensure regular collection of data on the
prevalence of child trafficking and slavery in Australia and the provision
of specialist support services to child survivors; and develop a
regulatory regime addressing international surrogacy arrangements.
16
Business and human rights
National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (ICCPR
article 2)
151.
The Commission commends the Australian business community’s support for
the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) through
the Global Compact Network Australia.188 The Commission notes that the
Government is undertaking a national consultation on the implementation of
the UNGP.189
152.
The Commission considers that the National Action Plan on Business and
Human Rights should have clear links with the National Action Plan to Combat
Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–2019.
Recommendation 60: That the Australian Government formulate a
National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, in consultation
with the business sector, and that it have clear links with the National
Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–2019.
31