Agencies Launch National Network Against People Trafficking

Following on from the Trafficking Forum last December, agencies have agreed to set up a national network to further the coordinating of efforts in abolishing Human Trafficking with a particular focus on New Zealand and the Pacific Region. The New Zealand Network Against People Trafficking (NZNAPT) is a direct result from the December 2011 Forum to maintain the momentum created and to increase the focus and coordination of the Human Trafficking agenda

“The Trafficking Forum again highlighted the need for New Zealand to remain vigilant to guard against the trafficking of humans” says Alan Bell of ECPAT. “To date New Zealand has been protected from the worst forms of people trafficking compared to some places in the world mainly due to our geographic isolation and that our law enforcement is robust. However there is anecdotal evidence of human trafficking both in New Zealand and amongst the Pacific Islands.”

The New Zealand Government released a Plan of Action to Prevent People Trafficking in 2009. The Minister of Immigration in announcing the Plan said that the Government is committed to preventing and detecting people trafficking, bringing offenders to justice and offering protection and assistance to victims of trafficking.

Don Lord of HAGAR says “Prevention is always better than a cure. The most effective method to prevent people trafficking gaining a foothold in New Zealand is for agencies, individuals and government to work in accord to ensure everything possible is done to protect people in this pacific region. We want this network to be effective in abolishing all forms of people trafficking including labour trafficking, child trafficking, trafficking for organ removal and trafficking associated with the sex industry.”

The New Zealand Network Against People Trafficking is open to all those with an interest to protect New Zealand and the Pacific from this modern form of slavery.

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