On our own soil and that of our near neighbours, millions of men, women and children are being trafficked and enslaved. Australia cannot ignore this situation. World Vision's Don't Trade Lives campaign aims to see Australia lead the charge to end trafficking in our region.

World Vision's Don’t Trade Lives campaign aims to:

• prevent people being trafficked;
• advocate for trafficking victims; and
• tackle the causes of human trafficking and slavery.

World Vision contends that our proximity to the trafficking 'hub' of Southeast Asia and our stable political system puts us in a strong position to act. World Vision is working with the Australian Government and pressuring it to encourage other countries in the region to ratify relevant anti-exploitation treaties as well as revisit existing laws.

These are the actions Australia – and all Australians – can take.

International action

• Australia can call on all countries in the region to sign/ratify all applicable treaties and conventions
• the Australian Government can increase its overseas aid to honour its original financial pledge towards anti-trafficking initiatives. Australia pledged a contribution when it signed the Millennium Declaration in 2000.

National action

• the Australian Government can ensure its own procurement practices minimise the risk of sourcing goods that come from exploitative sources 
• the Australian Government can sign all applicable treaties and conventions.

Local action

• Australians can call on Australian chocolate manufacturers to end labour exploitation in cocoa production
• as consumers, we can be more responsible by ensuring the products we buy come from ethical sources. By continuing to demand products made by exploited labour, we are perpetuating the crime.

You can act now to support World Vision's Don't Trade Lives campaign. You'll be taking a meaningful step toward eradicating a shameful reality in our region.