Developing an Understanding of Human Trafficking

ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) volunteer, Marguerite Buckley, presented to staff on Thursday 25 May.  She offered an insight into what is human trafficking, its prevalence in Australia, the NFP organisation ACRATH and its efforts to combat human trafficking, raise awareness of the issue and advocate for victim-survivors.

Marguerite explained that 50 million people around the world experienced human trafficking. 71% are female and only one in five victims is detected in Australia. She emphasised the Catholic social teaching that dignity of the human person was central to Christian beliefs; people have a dignity that is priceless. The moral and ethical principles of the gospel and catholic social teaching drives ACRATH’s work in the community.

ACRATH’s focus is to:

• Advocate for and with victims and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.
• Raise awareness about human trafficking.
• Address and prevent human trafficking.
• Strengthen organisational sustainability.

Some examples of ACRATH’s work are:

Fatima was a housekeeper at a consulate in Sydney. She fled after being enslaved in the consulate for months. She received no wages. ACRATH is linking her with a pro bono lawyer to explore her legal options.

Han is a construction worker who worked on a building site in Canberra for many months. His trafficker disappeared with the wages owed to Han and his co-workers. ACRATH is working with unions to address this.

Another important aspect Marguerite highlighted is that schools can address slavery and exploitation through their purchasing power. Slavery free products will ensure that workers receive an adequate wage. Brigidine Sister Louise Cleary, a co-founder of ACRATH states:

“By starting with tangible products like tea, coffee and chocolate we will become aware of how to address slavery and exploitation in other areas like school uniforms, sports equipment and computer manufacturing, and how to advocate for a living wage for those whom we still need to produce these goods.”

Overall, Marguerite presented an inspirational and thought-provoking workshop for staff.

Clare Kelly
Assistant Principal: Performance and Development