The Modern Slavery Trafficking Expert Practitioners Group (MSTEP), which includes World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice Rebekah Armstrong. criminal and regulatory barrister Jacob Parry, trafficking legal specialist Rebecca Kingi, and Crown Prosecutor Clayton Walker, welcomes today’s announcement by Justice Minister Hon Paul Goldsmith that the government will strengthen New Zealand’s criminal trafficking laws.

“These reforms are a significant and overdue step forward,” said Rebecca Kingi. “We commend the Government for recognizing the urgent need to close legal loopholes and better address this criminal offending, especially in relation to child trafficking.”

The proposed changes — including removing the requirement to prove coercion or deception for victims under 18, and clarifying the irrelevance of consent— reflect key recommendations made in the Group’s submission to the Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill and the provisions in the Combatting Traficking in Persons and Modern Day Forms of Slavery Bill drafted by the Group as a proposed way forward to strengthen New Zealand’s legal framework to combat trafficking in persons and modern slavery in New Zealand.

“These changes will bring New Zealand closer to international standards and definitions,” Kingi said. “But they must be comprehensive to be fit for purpose.”

The Group urges the Government to ensure that additional amendments to the Crimes Act trafficking provisions included in their submission and proposed bill — such as clearer definitions of exploitation — are included in the current reform.

“Thanks to the Government’s attention on this gap we have a real opportunity to get our criminal settings right, sending a clear message the trafficking of human beings is not welcome in New Zealand and it will not be tolerated. Let’s make sure the amendments address all our current gaps, so victims are not left without justice as a result of a legal technicality.”

The Group looks forward to continuing its collaboration with policymakers and civil society to ensure that New Zealand’s laws reflect the gravity of these crimes and uphold the dignity of every person.

© Scoop Media