World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - what is a slavery footprint?

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – what is a slavery footprint?

27 July 2020

This week, in recognition of the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we are sharing information about an issue that affects us all: modern slavery.

Human trafficking, debt bondage, forced and child labour and forced marriage are just some of the crimes included under the umbrella term ‘modern slavery’ that have trapped over 40 million people.

The aim of awareness-raising this week is to challenge and inform ourselves about the impact of modern slavery on people, their families, communities and society and to inspire ourselves to take positive actions personally, professionally and in our schools and parishes.

It is confronting. The truth is, we all benefit from the exploitation, forced labour and enslavement of our fellow human beings because it is often hidden in the supply chains of the goods and services we consume.

Sometimes, it is even hidden in plain sight with an estimated 15,000 people enslaved right here in Australia.

In accordance with Catholic Social Teaching we have a responsibility to speak out and act justly for the liberation of other people.

CEWA are working collaboratively with the West Australian dioceses and other organisations and agencies to address modern slavery across Catholic organisations in WA, with a specific focus on the purchasing power of our education, health and aged-care, community and financial services.

Collectively, we are assessing where our modern slavery risks lie and taking steps to address and prevent those risks; CEWA will be reporting on these actions publicly in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) in 2021.

Collaboration with the wider Catholic community is critical to achieving maximum impact.