Not in Our Neighbourhood!

Australia has a unique geographic position and political framework that lends itself to taking a strong stance in addressing labour exploitation in our region. The Don’t Trade Lives campaign aims to see Australia lead efforts to end trafficking regionally, ensuring the rights of trafficked people and those vulnerable to trafficking are protected and that perpetrators of trafficking and enslavement face justice.

In heeding this call, Australia should encourage other countries in the region to ratify all relevant treaties. There are gaps in Australia’s own ratification of treaties that need to be closed so that Australia can legitimately assume this role.

We call on this issue to be addressed through:

International action

Australia to call on all countries in the region to sign/ratify all applicable treaties and conventions
Australian Government increasing its amount of overseas aid in line with Australia’s equitable contribution to the MDGs and incorporating aid to anti-trafficking projects

National action

Australian Government ensuring its own procurement practices (including chocolate) minimise the risk of sourcing material that is from exploitative sources
Australian Government signing/ratifying all applicable treaties and conventions

Local action

Call on Australian chocolate manufacturers to end labour exploitation in cocoa production. Specifically, chocolate manufacturers must produce a costed 10 year Action Plan by 1 December 2008
State governments ensuring their own chocolate procurement practices minimise the risk of sourcing from exploited labour
Consuming responsibly, ensuring the products we buy come from ethical sources so that our money does not go to enslaving people.

Exclaim "Not in Our Neighbourhood!" - Take Action Now!