United Nations Third Committee: Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue: Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons
Statement delivered by Ms. Ruby Saulwick, Adviser, Australian Mission to the United Nations
20 October 2026
Thank you Chair.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report which highlights important progress in eliminating slavery and trafficking, as well as recommendations to guide efforts in the years ahead.
Australia remains deeply committed to eradicating all forms of slavery and trafficking in persons – including through Australia’s modern slavery framework, which takes an intersectional and integrated approach.
Consistent with the report’s focus on the role of businesses, Australia is proposing to introduce new laws to enhance corporate accountability for preventing modern slavery in supply chains.
We welcome the report’s focus on upholding the non-punishment principle, which is important for the protection of victims and survivors of slavery and trafficking.
As part of our international efforts, through the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program, Australia has supported ASEAN to develop guidelines on implementing the non-punishment principle, including for victims and survivors of trafficking for forced criminality into online scam operations.
Meaningful survivor engagement is a key pillar of Australia’s response to modern slavery. Persons with lived experience bring unique expertise to policy and practice.
Special Rapporteur, what effective practices have you identified for building meaningful survivor leadership and engagement?
Thank you.