The Right from Slavery and Forced Labour
Forced labour is any work that is done against someone’s will, usually under the threat of punishment. Despite the unilateral attempts to combat it, it remains a persisting challenge all over the world, inclusive of Australia. In Australia, over 1,900 people are victims of modern slavery however these statistics are based on the 1 in 5 victims detected in Australia. That means 80% of victims are not provided with any support and remain in slavery.
Defining Forced Labour:
According to the International Labour Organisations Forced Labour Contention of 1930 “all work or service to which is exacted from any person under the threat of penalty and for which the person has not offered voluntarily” constitutes as forced labour.
Exemptions from the ‘Forced Labour’ Definition:
There are five situations to which constitute as exemptions to this definition:
- Compulsory military services;
- Normal civic obligations;
- Prison labour (under certain conditions);
- Work in emergency, situations (such as war, calamity, or threatened calamity such as flood or famine); or
- Minor communal services.
Global Efforts:
Global initiatives to end forced work have accelerated recently. The 2014 Forced Labour Convention Protocol represents a fresh commitment to tackling contemporary forms of forced labour, notably human trafficking and acts that resemble slavery. These tools offer vital advice on protection, prevention, and solutions to end forced work in all its forms.
Reality of Forced Labour:
Forced labour affects people in a variety of fields, including domestic work, construction, agricultural, and sexual exploitation. It spans national boundaries and industries. It illustrates the widespread scope of this egregious violation of human rights by encompassing both established forms of slavery and debt bondage as well as more recent acts like human trafficking.
Legislative Frameworks:
Strong legislative frameworks have been implemented by nations like Australia to prevent forced labour. Legislations like the Criminal Code Act 1995 make it illegal to commit crimes involving forced labour, slavery, and servitude while also offering legal recourse.
Realtime Example:
Despite our desire to think that Australia effectively prohibits forced labour, we frequently come across instances of it happening. The Australian Federal Police recently published an article about a man from Templestowe, Melbourne, on January 31, 2024. The man was found guilty of forcing a victim into working 14-hour shifts by threatening deportation. The owner threatened to report the victim and his family to the authorities and withheld the victim’s wages while he subjected him to abusive conditions. This case makes us aware of the widespread use of forced labour in Australia and the pressing need to stop it with victim-centred enforcement.
Call to Action:
Passing legislation alone won’t be enough to end forced labour. Along with preventing it, shielding people from it, and aiding sufferers, these are other priorities. It’s critical that everyone is aware of it, reports it when they see it, and cooperates in the battle against it. Since forced labour is a major issue that many people face, its solution will require cooperation from all of us.
Call the Australian Federal Police at 131 237 or report it online at the AFP website, if you believe that you or anybody else is at risk of forced labour. Dial triple zero (000) if there is an urgent concern for your safety or the safety of others.
