Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For release 24 April 2017

Commonwealth nations combine forces to combat modern slavery

Kelvin Davis MP and Joanne Hayes MP will represent New Zealand this week at the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Modern Slavery in London, United Kingdom.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon David Carter, said “although New Zealand has a strong legislative response to addressing modern slavery in the Asia-Pacific region, we must remain vigilant. New Zealand is not immune to the risks of exploitation of migrant workers and human trafficking, particularly in areas such as horticulture, construction, and hospitality. Combating modern slavery and protecting human rights requires a three-pronged approach, with Parliament’s duty to legislate to uphold and protect human rights, corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and the right of effected peoples to access a suitable remedy.”

Mr Speaker explained “as globalisation has created fluidity in borders and markets, the boundaries of jurisdictions can become blurred. Therefore, the ending of modern slavery requires the Commonwealth, and indeed the world, to share information, resources, and experiences. I am pleased that Mr Davis and Ms Hayes will be able to build networks with informed international parliamentarians. They will return to New Zealand with a sound understanding of legislative responses to put to good use in their select committee work.”

The workshop is co-hosted by the United Kingdom Home Office’s International Modern Slavery Fund and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch. Sessions will focus on the wider implications of modern slavery in a sustainable development and economic context, cross-border cooperation to combat human trafficking, the growing threat of bonded labour, and transparency in supply chains.

A central outcome of the workshop is that delegates return to their home parliaments with an increased awareness of all aspects of modern slavery, knowledge of good practice on how to combat it, and a commitment to the development of modern slavery legislation. While in London, Mr Davis and Ms Hayes will pay their respects at ANZAC Day commemorations.

The workshop runs from 26 April to 28 April 2017.

ENDS

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