Thirty youth activists have called on the Australian Government to appoint an Australian Ambassador for Trafficking in Persons. Travelling to Canberra as part of World Vision Australia’s Trek Against Trafficking, the activists delivered over 110,000 signed “Give Child Labour the Sack” cards to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd outside Parliament House on 21 March.

World Vision CEO Tim Costello, who was also on hand to deliver the cards, said of the young delegates standing with him: “When it comes to this issue, this generation behind me give me great hope. They are absolutely committed to saying ‘people of my age and younger must never be trafficked’”.

Mr Rudd responded by giving his strong personal commitment and support for an ambassador, as well as reiterating the Government’s  commitment to program funding to tackle human trafficking.

After delivering the signatures, Rev Costello and the young activists were joined by MPs, actor/World Vision ambassador Damian Walshe-Howling and anti-trafficking expert Dr Anne Gallagher  at a parliamentary event, highlighting World Vision's anti-trafficking work in the Asia-Pacific region.

The activists came from around Australia to participate in three days of campaigning and leadership  training and to further their knowledge of human trafficking.

Once home, these new advocates will lead and inspire others in their communities to campaign for action on human trafficking, through World Vision’s youth movement Vision Generation.