Australian Human Rights Commission
Information for LOI – Australia, 29 August 2016
120.
The Commission also notes in 2015, legislation was enacted that increases
the protection of children from forced marriage along with other persons who
do not have the capacity to provide free and full consent to marriage.112
121.
The Commission notes that adequate funding is needed for the full
implementation of the National Action Plan.113
122.
Given the insufficient coverage for these crimes under existing compensation
schemes, the right to a remedy for survivors of trafficking and slavery is not
fulfilled. The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons recommended the
Australian Government establish a federal level, comprehensive
compensation scheme for survivors of trafficking.114 The Commission notes the
urgent need to develop a federal compensation scheme for survivors of
trafficking, slavery and slavery-like conditions.115
123.
There continues to be a lack of data and research on the prevalence of child
trafficking and slavery in Australia. There is a need for specific policy
guidelines and specific support services to be developed to protect the rights
of child survivors of trafficking and slavery.116
124.
The Commission notes that the Australian Government is undertaking a
national consultation on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights.117 The Commission considers that the
subsequent 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. There should also be clear measures to address
trafficking and slavery related human rights violations in supply chains.118
125.
The Commission further notes the recent inquiry and report of the House of
Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs into
the regulatory and legislative aspects of international and domestic surrogacy
arrangements Surrogacy Matters.119 The Commission submission considered
that unregulated surrogacy arrangements raise real concerns about the
potential for the trafficking of women and children.120
126.
Issues for consideration in the LOI:
13
•
Information on developing a federal compensation scheme for
survivors of human trafficking and slavery. 121
•
Information on data collection and specialist support services for
child survivors of trafficking and slavery.
•
Information on how a National Action Plan on Business and
Human Rights will incorporate the approach to people trafficking
and slavery.
Human Rights Education
Concluding Observation para 34
22