Australia has entered an initiative with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to counter human trafficking, modern slavery and forced labour in the region.
Announcing the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking Initiative, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne said the 10-year program would work to strengthen criminal justice responses and protect victim rights.
“This includes providing police training in financial investigations, professional development for judges and promoting child-friendly courtrooms,” Senator Payne said.
“The initiative will also support joint international investigations to help rescue victims and ensure traffickers are charged.”
She said the measure would respond to private sector concerns in cases of human trafficking identified in supply chains.
In another move, Australia has made a $30 million contribution to the countries in the Mekong River region to combat transnational crime and further strengthen security in the region.
Senator Payne said the Mekong-Australia Program: Transnational Crime would promote cross-border cooperation between Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, supporting their efforts to tackle threats such as drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation and financial crimes.
“Strong regional cooperation is critical to combating transnational crime in this complex and challenging environment,” Senator Payne said.
“Australian law enforcement, security and border protection Agencies will work with their regional counterparts to enhance policy development and build the technical and operational capabilities needed to combat transnational crime threats, she said.
