3 December 2015

Slave Labour Amendment Bill

The drawing of the Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill from the Members’ bills ballot today represents a genuine opportunity to take a strong stance on human rights, says Labour’s MP for Tamaki Makaurau, Peeni Henare.

“Slavery or coerced labour still exists in some parts of the world despite the abolition of slavery in the 18th Century.

“The Bill amends the Customs and Excise Act 1996 to include products of slave labour as prohibited goods.

“The Bill will bring New Zealand into line with countries like the United States and Belgium who have passed legislation to ban imports produced by slavery.

“Slave owners must not be allowed to profit from their crime and it is time New Zealand addressed coerced labour issues in our own backyard first.

“I look forward to the Bill receiving support from across the House so this important conversation can be had,” says Peeni Henare.

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