There has been a 12% increase in reports of human trafficking and slavery to the Australian federal police in the 2023-2024 financial year, according to data released as part of the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Reports of human trafficking and slavery to the Australian federal police have reached an all-time high, following a 12 per cent increase in the 2023-24 financial year revealed in new statistics released today as part of the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024 is ‘Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking’, to focus on accelerating global efforts to combat child trafficking.
Globally, data from the United Nations shows one in three victims of human trafficking is a child.
In the 2023-24 financial year, the Australian federal police received 382 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences, an increase of 12.35 per cent from 340 reports the previous financial year.
Australian federal police Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the statistics on human trafficking were more than just numbers.
“They represent innocent lives in the community. By raising awareness of the laws in Australia and supporting victims, we can make strides in eradicating this crime,” Commander Schneider said.
“This increase is likely attributed to increased awareness of these crimes in the Australian community.”
In the 2023-24 financial year, the Australian federal police received 382 reports of human trafficking and slavery, which included:
- 109 reports of human trafficking (inclusive of entry, exit and child trafficking);
- 91 reports of forced marriage;
- 69 reports of forced labour;
- 59 reports of sexual exploitation;
- 21 reports of domestic servitude;
- 10 reports of debt bondage;
- 16 reports of deceptive recruitment;
- Four reports of slavery;
- Two reports of harbouring; and
- One report of organ trafficking.
In early July, the Australian federal police dismantled an organised criminal group allegedly involved in the trafficking of a child from Indonesia to engage in sex work.
“Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”
This year’s global campaign for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.
1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is a child
Additionally, children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults, according to the UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (GLOTIP). Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean bear a disproportionate burden, with children making up for 60 per cent of detected trafficking victims.
The Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network has given attention to and raised awareness of the issue of human trafficking – to faith bodies – as one of its program objectives. This program continues its efforts.
Human trafficking is at its highest in Asia and Oceania regions
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