ACRATH in Albert Park, Victoria | Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

ACRATH

Locality: Albert Park, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9645 5986

Address: 54 Beaconsfield Parade 3206 Albert Park, Victoria, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.acrath.org.au

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25.01.2022 Register for Modern Slavery Statements: On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, launched the Online Register for Modern Slavery Statements. Under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 businesses with an annual income in excess of $100 million operating in Australia will be required to submit an annual statement describing their actions to address modern slavery in their supply chain.... The website also contains resources to assist Government and business procurement officers. In a media release launching the new website Assistant Minister Wood said: Modern slavery has no place in our communities or the supply chains of our goods and services and collaboration between Government, business and civil society is key to combating this crime. We consulted closely with business and civil society to develop the Modern Slavery Act and we continue to work proactively with business and civil society to implement the legislation, including through the Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group and the National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery, Under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 the Government is required to report annually to Parliament on actions to implement the Act. The first annual report was submitted to Parliament in June 2020. A copy of this report can be downloaded here. ---- https://is.gd/DkUPnv See more

25.01.2022 IDC Report 2016-2017: The Government has tabled the ninth report of the Interdepartmental Committee on Human Trafficking and Slavery (the IDC), covering the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. The IDC has oversight of the Australian Governments National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-19. The report notes that "During 2016-17, the AFP received 150 new referrals relating to human trafficking and slavery, taking the total to 841 since 2004. In 2016-17..., 13 human trafficking and slavery-related prosecutions were before the courts, including seven new prosecutions. As of 30 June 2017, there were two bills before Parliament seeking to strengthen the vulnerable witness protections afforded by the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) (Crimes Act). These bills are aimed at overcoming impediments to successfully prosecuting human trafficking and slavery offences." Download a copy of the report here. ---- https://is.gd/D38Q11 See more

24.01.2022 Letter From ACRATH President: Dear ACRATH Members and Supporters, As we head towards July 30, the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Im reflecting on how far we have come and how far we still have to go to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Its 16 years since I gathered with Sr Tania de Jong rgs, Sr Margaret Ng rsj and the late Sr Pauline Coll sgs to discuss human trafficking and the emergence of the problem in Australia and in our region. That firs...Continue reading

24.01.2022 Global 16 Days Campaign: The 16 Days Campaign is the longest running campaign to end violence against women. In 2018, Centre for Women's Global Leadership, CWGL, adopted a multi-year theme, with a focus on ending GBV and harassment in the world of work to build support for a new international instrument. In June 2019, the International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted the Violence and Harassment Convention, C190 and the Campaign shifted its focus to ratification. Before the ...first anniversary of its adoption on June 21, 2020, Uruguay and Fiji became the first two countries to ratify the Convention, which will come into force in June 2021. Today, Argentina is on its way to being the third! In 2020, the Campaign will continue to call for ratification of C190, but with a dedicated focus on informal women workers whose lives and livelihoods have been acutely impacted by COVID-19 and the unprecedented economic crisis that has followed. According to the ILO, more than 60% of the world’s employed earn their living in the informal economy and 92% of women in employment in developing countries are informally employed. They face precarious workplace conditions and are typically excluded from national labor laws and denied social protection. The pre-existing risks and vulnerabilities faced by these workers around the world have been heightened and exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health and economic crises. The informal economy encompasses many sectors. The 2020 Global 16 Days Advocacy Guide highlights the concerns of informal women workers in six different sectors which illustrate the precarious situation of many women in the world of work: domestic workers, home-based workers, street vendors, agricultural workers, waste-pickers, and sex workers. Read more... ---- https://is.gd/CoHDuf

24.01.2022 Advocating for Workers Rights: Liz Morris is fairly new to ACRATH, but already her contribution has been enormous. Most recently, she drafted ACRATH’s submission to the Senate’s Select Committee on Temporary Migration, which is looking into the impact temporary migration has on the Australian economy, wages and jobs, social cohesion and workplace rights and conditions. The submission draws upon the many years of experience ACRATH has had with temporary migrant workers around...Continue reading

24.01.2022 Modern Slavery Risks in Business: The Australian Human Rights Commission has partnered with KPMG Banarra in developing guides to help Australian businesses understand and manage their modern slavery risks. Over a period of time five documents will be launched. The first of these, Property, Construction and Modern Slavery: Practical responses to managing risks to people,, has just been launched. This guide will assist businesses and their supplies to report under the Modern S...lavery Act 2018. Under this Act businesses operating in Australia with an income threshold above $100 million are required to submit an annual report outlining their efforts to investigate and address modern slavery in their supply chains. In addressing modern slavery it is essential that a human rights approach be adopted. The guide Highlights particular modern slavery risks prevalent in the property and construction sector. Provides tips for the property and construction sector on leading practice and a rights-based approach to managing modern slavery risk. Fosters transparent modern slavery reporting for the benefit of business, government and the people at risk of harm. Download a copy of the guide here. ---- https://is.gd/Nt0e6p

23.01.2022 ACRATH was delighted to meet online with Australia's Ambassador for People Smuggling and Human Trafficking, Lucienne Manton, and her team. This was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate in the fight against human trafficking and slavery.

23.01.2022 South Sea Islander Slavery in Australia: ACRATH is pleased to invite you to take part in a webinar during which you will learn about the cruel act and generational impact of historical slavery for South Sea Islander people. Starting in 1847 over 62,000 south Sea Islanders, mostly men, were kidnapped, tricked and coerced from Vanuatu, Solomon's and 80 surrounding islands with the majority entering Queensland between 1863 and 1903. The webinar will take place at 3pm AEST on Tu...esday 25th August - Australian South Sea Islander National Recognition Day. The link to join the webinar is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89544039325 We intend to screen a documentary featuring an introduction to the story of South Sea Islander entrapment into slavery in Australia in the 19th century. The documentary highlights the search for recognition and acknowledgement by their descendants and features ACRATH member and ASSI Chairperson, (Waskam) Emelda Davis. After the screening there will be an opportunity for discussion and sharing feedback, hosted by ACRATH's Queensland Regional Coordinator, Janine Bliss fmm. We would be pleased if you could share this invitation amongst your community and friends. ---- https://is.gd/o42OzD See more

22.01.2022 ACRATH invites you to sign the e-petition calling for the NSW Modern Slavery Act to be implemented. https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au//pa/epetitions-list.aspx

22.01.2022 Activism Bringing Results: This story is a David and Goliath like battle. It’s the story of 22 men from Vanuatu who came to Australia to work in 2014, some borrowing money to get here. They went home empty handed having been exploited and left with nothing. The case of Maroochy Sunshine Pty Ltd, a labour hire provider, and its director Mr Emmanuel Bani, also illustrates the urgency of implementing a national labour hire-licensing scheme. For several years ACRATH has advocate...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Hello Teachers: ACRATH is delighted to have supported a number of schools in educating their senior students about modern slavery by using ACRATH's updated Teaching Kit. ACRATH would love to receive your feedback on the kit. How was the kit used?... Did your students get engaged with this? Did the kit support you? Please send any feedback you may have to [email protected]. This information will assist ACRATH in our work to eliminate human trafficking and slavery. If you have not yet used the Teaching Kit it can be found here. ---- https://is.gd/yxO8LB

21.01.2022 Forced Marriage Training Initiative: ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) will launch a suite of new and revised forced marriage resources during a zoom launch on Thursday August 27 2020. A highlight of the zoom launch will be the release of the 35-minute 2020 ACRATH Recorded Forced Marriage Video Presentation for educators, healthcare professionals and frontline responders including child protection workers, followed by a Q & A involving Aust...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Support for Workers in Queensland: ACRATH's Regional Coordinator in Queensland, Sr Janine Bliss fmm, has been spending a good bit of time in the Bundaberg area supporting seasonal workers in recent times. The workers are mainly from Vanuatu and Timor-Leste. These workers came to Australia through the Seasonal Workers Program, a government aid programme. It is a sad fact that some of the workers have been exploited during their time in Australia. Janine has been reaching out ...to workers helping them to understand their rights as workers in Australia. Janine has been spending even more time in Bundaberg since a recent fire in a local hotel and backpackers hostel where 32 seasonal workers 10 from Timor-Leste and 22 from Vanuatu were staying. While the workers were not harmed they lost all their possessions. "We would certainly like to look at how we can replace some of the personal items that people lost so I guess if there was a way that if anybody wanted to provide a donation they could send it to ACRATH." said Sr Janine. "One of the workers lost $1600 US dollars; he withdrew it that day and it was all burnt in the fire. So you can only imagine the stress and trauma involved in losing that kind of money and also on the family at home how (do) they survive without that money. Its heart-wrenching." The level of support needed by migrant workers during these Covid-19 times has increased. Janine has been instrumental in preparing a kit that could be distributed to workers to inform them about the pandemic and measures they could take to protect themselves. Read more... ---- https://is.gd/BYLJvJ See more

21.01.2022 7NEWS Exclusive: A look at slavery in Australia and the disturbing pictures captured by Federal Police in our suburbs. From children as young as 8 forced to ma...rry to underpaid workers living in squalor for years it's happening at record rates in neighbourhoods across the country. More Details: https://7news.link/3fktOSI #7NEWS

20.01.2022 16 Days of Activism: Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks the beginning of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which ends on 10th December - Human Rights Day. Human trafficking, a $150 billion global industry, is one of the greatest examples of violence against women and girls. Millions of women and girls are forced to marry, or to work in slave like conditions for little, or no, pay and no chance ...Continue reading

20.01.2022 2021 ACRATH Calendar: ACRATHs 2021 calendar is now available. To date we have sold the ACRATH Calendar for $10. However this year we acknowledge that many are directly effected by Covid-19, and would still like for you to receive the 2021 ACRATH Calendar. We value your support. Please feel free to order calendars complimentary, or make a donation. If you would like to order a calendar download the order form here. ACRATHs Queensland coordinator Sr Janine Bliss fmm produc...ed the first ACRATH calendar in 2015. Since then it has become a feature in many offices, homes, staffrooms and classrooms. For me the calendar has always been about the trafficked person and showing how everything we do has the trafficked person at the centre. The stories of ACRATHs projects are all in response to the trafficked person and their stories, Janine said. ---- https://is.gd/BixMAt

18.01.2022 16 Days Campaign: Join ACRATH and the international community for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The United Nations 16 days of activism begins on Wednesday, 25th November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends of 10th December Human Rights Day. Over the 16 Days of Activism we will be sharing stories, focusing on the people working in the areas of forced labour, forced marriage and supply chains, as well as creating ...opportunities for learning, prayer and reflection. ACRATH has resources and two special events during the 16 Days of Activism that you are invited to ‘attend’. All details of the following events can be found here. Webinar - Looking into Australia’s Slavery Past December 2nd at 1pm (Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra time) webinar, Looking into Australia’s Slavery Past. To register in advance please go to https://us02web.zoom.us//tZItdu6srDMuEtdo0MaufHWXPPVlNkQSC Prayer and reflection gathering December 10th at 1pm (Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra time) prayer and reflection gathering to bring light and hope into the darkness of human trafficking. To register in advance go to https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0rdeCrrz8iGtz5dB4Lgu68idqhS0AtQ Reflection Sheet Please download ACRATH’s one pager reflection. It gives a focus for each of the 16 days. Read it aloud with work colleagues, in your community or at home before your evening meal. Download the poster here. 16 Stories Read a story on each of the 16 Days of Activism about a person or project combatting human trafficking. Access the 16 stories here. Holding the Light Holding the Light, An Ecumenical Service Remembering Victims and Survivors of Family Domestic Violence Sunday 29th November 2020, 2.30pm St Peter’s Eastern Hill 15 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the numbers allowed to gather in person may be restricted, so please register your interest with TryBooking, and we will let you know more details nearer the time: https://www.trybooking.com/BMCMF The service will also be live-streamed and recorded on the St Peter’s FaceBook page and St Peter’s YouTube Channel: https://www.facebook.com/stpeterseasternhill or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCivSIL2aOQC9elzNK6zX0Tw If you would like more information on any of the events please contact: Rosie Hoban [email protected] ---- https://is.gd/AXsCth

18.01.2022 A Global Challenge: Human Trafficking is a global problem. The following article gives an insight into the impact this crime has on victims. "When the group of eight teenagers was first referred to the Preda Home for Girls, they were still in shock having been taken into police custody during a rescue. What they did not realize was they had been victimized and exploited by unscrupulous human traffickers and used like sex slaves by male child abusers. They had been brainwashe...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Forced Marriage in Australia: Forced marriage happens in Australia. This is *Tamin and *Shamira’s story (* not their real names) Tamin was 20 when she discovered her parents intended sending her out of Australia to marry in another country. She had been promised to a relative. Tamin did not want to leave Australia to marry a stranger. She made contact with an agency and disclosed the imminent marriage. The person she spoke to had participated in an extended training session...Continue reading

17.01.2022 Latest ACRATH News: In the September issue of ACRATH News you can read about ACRATH's new Forced Marriage Video Presentation which was launched in August. The Australian Federal Police participated in the launch and explored the issues facing local authorities working to combat forced marriage. Other stories include: ETIKO Fairtrade clothing and JINTA sports equipment is offering ACRATH readers a discount. Work with them to keep workers, hit by COVID, in work. LIZ Morris... has written ACRATHs submission to the Senates Select Committee on Temporary Migration. We make 10 compelling recommendations. ACRATHs calendar for 2021 is available and it explores some great projects combating human trafficking. ACRATHs volunteer Companions have been able to offer financial support to trafficked women and children during COVID. JOIN the Webinar for teachers on November 23 2020. Download your copy of ACRATH News here. ---- https://is.gd/Jxsj29

17.01.2022 Prayer Against Trafficking in Persons: ACRATH members and friends participated in an online reflection today to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Participants reflected on the horror of human trafficking and spent time discerning actions they could take to work against human trafficking and slavery in our world today. If you were unable to join in this time of prayer and reflection a copy of the PowerPoint is available here. https://is.gd/KkLyxZ #WorldDayAga...instTraffickingInPersons #EndHumanTrafficking #acrath #TalithaKum #UNANIMAIntl See more

17.01.2022 To #EndHumanTrafficking and #MakeaHome4Everyone we must address the drivers of Homelessness and Trafficking including #Poverty #Migration #Inequalities #ForcedMarriage and more!

15.01.2022 Australian Institute of Criminology Research: The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a Research Report - Review of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-19. The report outlines the activities of the Australian Government to address human trafficking and slavery during the years 2015-2019. The report documents the activities according to the four pillars of the National Action Plan: Pillar 1: Prevention and deterrence Pillar 2: De...tection and investigation Pillar 3: Prosecution and compliance Pillar 4: Victim support and protection The report was commissioned by the Department of Home Affairs to inform the development of the next National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and Slavery. While activities are documented, the purpose of the research was not to evaluate those activities. A wide range of activities were undertaken in an effort to achieve the goals of the national Action Plan. The report concludes with a very useful list of questions to guide the development the next National Action Plan. ---- https://is.gd/lDHiQs See more

15.01.2022 As a member of the Be Slavery Free Coalition ACRATH encourages you to take part in the Virtual Rally to address Modern Slavery on Tuesday 25th August

14.01.2022 The slave my sister, my brother: A Christmas Reflection on a Current Reality A beautiful and inspiring evening of readings and music with Eva-Marie Middleton (soprano); Paul O’Neill (tenor); Schola Choir (from Aquinas College); Hugh Lydon (conductor); Paul Wright (violin) and Dominic Perissinotto (pipe organ). Meditation by Professor Francis Campbell (Vice Chancellor, UNDA). When: 6.30pm 7pm (AWST) Pre-recital of Christmas music... 7pm 8.30pm (AWST) Reflection in Word & Music Venue: St Patrick’s Basilica, 47 Adelaide St, Fremantle Seats limited. Bookings essential. For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/BNAMI (Also Live-streamed on www.catholicmission.org.au/perth2020 by Merus Sound) Enquiries & digital copy of the Reflection Booklet: e-mail Francis on [email protected] or phone 9422 7933 For more information click here. ---- https://is.gd/ZMwZZ1

14.01.2022 Trapped at Sea by Covid-19: Border restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have trapped many of the worlds 1.6 million seafarers at sea for many months. Sister of St Joseph, Sr Mary Leahy, works as a chaplain to seafarers from a disused freight container at Port Botany. Sr Mary says many of the seafarers do not know what is happening with international borders and wonder when will they will be able to go home. It is estimated that around 100,000 seafarer...s finish their contracts and fly home every month in normal times but that is not currently happening, and they are stuck on the ships for who knows how long. They are always in danger, in isolation and generally forgotten by society yet carry 98% of world trade." Sr Mary sees the situation that traps seafarers at sea akin to slavery. Her comments are supported by Dean Summers, the national coordinator for the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in Australia who commented: "If somebody has finished their contract and they want to go home and you force them to go back to sea, that's slavery. It's forced labour". Read more... ---- https://is.gd/H1sXhC See more

14.01.2022 Investors Against Slavery: Fiance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST) is an initiative of the Liechtenstein Initiative. This Initiative, a partnership between the Governments of Liechtenstein, Australia and the Netherlands, aims to put the financial sector at the heart of global efforts to end modern slavery and human trafficking and accelerate action in eradicating these practices. FAST is supporting the launch of Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia-Pacific (I...AST APAC), an investor-led initiative convened to engage companies in the APAC region to find, fix and prevent modern slavery, labour exploitation and human trafficking in their value chains. IAST APAC has two work streams that investors can participate in; one focused on reporting requirements for Australian companies, and one focused on collaborative engagement with APAC companies. FAST is also launching a new series of Insights exploring different aspects of the FAST Blueprint for Mobilizing Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking. ---- https://is.gd/nfdUG9

14.01.2022 Governments Urged to Intensify Efforts: On the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, Caritas Internationalis and COATNET urge governments to intensify efforts to identify victims of trafficking and exploitation, the number of which is worryingly increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caritas Internationalis secretary general, Aloysius John, says that Focused attention to the pandemic must not prevent us from taking care of the people most vulnerable to trafficking an...d exploitation. And this is what local Caritas and COATNET member organisations are doing all over the world, along with other civil society organisations, providing much-needed safety nets for victims of trafficking and exploitation, even during the pandemic, and accompany them in their difficulties, offering material, medical, legal and psychological help. The Catholic confederation, with 162-member organisations, and the Christian anti-trafficking network say the global pandemic has focused governments attention towards health, but at the same time not sufficient attention was paid on the collateral damage of the ongoing pandemic especially on migrants and informal workers, who are now more exposed to trafficking and exploitation. Caritas Internationalis and COATNET also call for urgent and targeted measures to support workers in informal sectors such as domestic work, agricultural and construction work, where most vulnerable workers (i.e. undocumented migrants) can be found. Read more... ---- https://is.gd/t8QxYf See more

13.01.2022 August Actions Against Modern Slavery: Did you know that Australia has a Modern Slavery Act. The Act was passed by the Australia Parliament in November 2018. Under the Act companies with an annual revenue of more than $100 million must prepare annual statements for the Department of Home Affairs, setting out their actions to assess and address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. The first reports are due in 2020. We all have a responsibility to fight ...against human trafficking and modern slavery With most people living under Covid-19 restrictions it is still possible to take action. During the month of August you might want to organize an online discussion with family and friends to discuss the availability of slavery free goods in Australia. Research where you can buy chocolate, tea, coffee and clothing that has been ethically produced. ---- https://is.gd/4Yi78B See more

13.01.2022 Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has released a statement for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 Novembe...r 2020. "The vision and example of Jesus inspires us to strive for a community that is founded on equality, respect, justice and peace." To read the full statement, visit catholicoutlook.org - link in bio

13.01.2022 People More Vulnerable to Traffickers during Covid-19: ACRATH calls for support in lead up to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) today urged people to support those most vulnerable to trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic. ACRATH President Sr Louise Cleary csb, who co-founded the organisation 15 years ago, urged people to support this often invisible group of people by donating to ACRA...Continue reading

11.01.2022 Call to Address Root Causes: CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination of Against Women) has called on governments to pursue all appropriate means to eliminate trafficking in women and girls, highlighting the increasing use of social media to recruit trafficking victims during the COVID-19 pandemic. In its General Recommendation NO 38 CEDAW reports that women and girls still account for the majority of victims of trafficking across the world, despite the existing... anti-trafficking legal and policy frameworks at national and international levels. CEDAW has also called on social media and messaging companies to assist in mitigating the risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls. Dalia Leinarte, CEDAW committee member who led the drafting of the recommendation, said: The global pandemic has revealed the urgent need to address the use of digital technology in and against trafficking...Combatting trafficking also entails discouraging the demand. The committee urges governments to address the root causes of women and girls becoming vulnerable and at risk of being trafficked through public policies that for women’s autonomy,equal access to education and job opportunities and a gender responsive safe migration framework to protect women and girl migrants. Download a copy of Recommendations No 38 here. ---- https://is.gd/87xLCe

10.01.2022 You may think that human trafficking is something that only happens on the TV or in the movies. But it happens right here in our own backyard, and often it is i...n plain sight. In the 2019-20 financial year, the AFP received 223 reports of human trafficking and forced marriage. Today is United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons, and while the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the lead agency for investigating this crime type, everyone has a role to play in stopping it and we urge the public to be aware. Here are a few things to look out for: has a family history of elder siblings leaving education or marrying early expresses concern regarding an upcoming family holiday exhibit signs of depression, self-harm, attempted suicide, social isolation or substance abuse has unreasonable restrictions from their family such as not being allowed out or always being accompanied made a sudden announcement they are engaged shows evidence of family disputes/conflict, domestic violence/abuse, running away from home or isolation from the community? If you or someone you know could be a victim of this crime type, please report it by calling 131 AFP (237)

10.01.2022 Calling All NSW Residents: It is now more than two years since the NSW Parliament passed the Modern Slavery Act 2018(NSW). The Act received Royal Assent on 27th June 2018. However the Act still has not come into force. This means that the protections in the Act have not yet been implemented. An ePetition has been set up and requires 20,000 signatures to activate a debate in the Legislative Assembly. Only NSW residents are able to sign the ePetition. In these days of Covid-19 it is even more imperative that support and protection be given to vulnerable people who have been trafficked to or enslaved in Australia. Please sign the petition and encourage family and friends to sign too. For more information click here. ---- https://is.gd/TyYP04

09.01.2022 Join the rally against Modern Slavery today at 12.30pm. Zoom details: https://zoom.us/j/94137974507 Dial: 8015 6011 Meeting ID: 941 3797 4507... Passcode: 978167 See more

09.01.2022 Stop Trafficking!: Education is the key to the prevention of children becoming victims of human trafficking. This months issue of Stop Trafficking! focuses on human trafficking education in our schools. Articles in this publication produced by US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking include Education on Human Trafficking, Children at Risk, Social Media in Schools and Red Flags. Download the September issue of Stop Trafficking! here. ---- https://is.gd/Kw89bf

08.01.2022 How will you mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30th July? Here are some suggestions: 1. Learn more about human trafficking at https://acrath.org.au 2. Join the ACRATH online prayer at Noon (Sydney Time) - https://acrath.org.au/pray-online-with-acrath/ 3. Support the work of ACRATH by making a donation - https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/acrath

06.01.2022 Eradicating Modern Slavery: The Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO) recently released a video encouraging people to be more alert to slavery in supply chains as a means of eradicating modern slavery. ACRATH members in Western Australia took part in this project. At the conclusion of the video Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, Archbishop of Perth says: "I commend this initiative and further invite every person to seriously consider ethical purchasing as a behaviour that we should all adopt as another way of putting our faith into action." To access the video click here. ---- https://is.gd/rPaV6d

05.01.2022 Australia's Slavery Past: A lunchtime webinar exploring Australia’s early days of slavery will be held on 2nd December as part of the UN’s 16-Days campaign against gender based violence. The 16 days of activism begins on 25th November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on 10th December - Human Rights Day. Human trafficking, a $150 billion global industry, is one of the greatest examples of violence against women and girls. Millions of ...women and girls are forced to marry, or to work in slave like conditions for little, or no, pay and no chance of an education. While the 16 Days campaign shines a spotlight on many current practices, the ACRATH webinar, Looking into Australia’s Slavery Past, will also take a look at Australia’s past practices, particularly the ‘blackbirding’ of people from the eighty islands of Vanuatu and the Solomons. The, Looking into Australia’s Slavery Past, webinar will be held at 1pm (Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney time) on Wednesday 2nd December 2020. To participate in the zoom webinar please register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZItdu6srDMuEtdo0MaufHWXPPVlNkQSC After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The webinar will feature Emelda Davis MA, Chairwoman - Australian South Sea Islanders Association (ASSI) who will outline the history of ‘blackbirding’ in Australia, particularly in Queensland. She will also explore the impact of blackbirding on today’s society. The webinar, which is expected to attract people Australia wide, will also invite participants to take an action to combat human trafficking today. ACRATH’s Marguerite Buckley said the webinar is an important event during a 16-Days campaign that explores many aspects of human trafficking and its very real impact on those communities most affected. Contact: For information about the webinar contact Cindy Bohan at ACRATH M: 0429 584943 and E:[email protected] For more 16 Days Against Gender-based Violence Campaign information and resources click here. ---- https://is.gd/5FLO6B

05.01.2022 Temporary Migrants During Covid-19: Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic ACRATH has been concerned for migrant workers and international students and their vulnerability to exploitation. UTS Laws A/Prof Laurie Berg and UNSWs A/Prof Bassina Farbenblum co-directs of the Migrant Worker Justice Initiative have recently undertaken research on the experiences of international students and visa holders during Covid-19. Their finding from a July 2020 online survey of 6,105 internati...onal students and visa holders are documented in As If We Werent Humans: The Abandonment of Temporary Migrants in Australia During COVID-19. Close to three quarters of survey respondents lost all or most of their work during the pandemic. Thousands were left unable to pay for food and rent, having been categorically excluded from government wage subsidy schemes. More than half (57%) believe their financial stress will deepen by years end, with one in three international students forecasting their funds will run out by October. Read more... ---- https://is.gd/C6uA6r

04.01.2022 Impact of Covid-19: Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, an incredible impact on the lives of many people including victims and survivors of human trafficking. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT), UNs lead inter-agency platform on trafficking in persons, recognizes the importance of global efforts to respond to such an unprecedented crisis. At the same time, those responsible for developing and implementing these responses must cons...ider the implications of such measures for victims and survivors of trafficking and safeguard fundamental rights in this time of pandemic. A number of initiatives have been actioned across the ICAT membership to increase advocacy and policy guidance in identifying key areas of concern and developing responses to address the impact of COVID-19. A number of resources related to trafficking in persons and Covid-19 are available on the UNODC (UN Office of Drugs and Crime) website. For more information click here. ---- https://is.gd/QLRjFT

03.01.2022 Against Forced Marriage: Megan Bourke may be new in the role of ACRATH’s forced marriage worker, but for years she has worked to try and prevent people being vulnerable to human trafficking. She joined ACRATH in October after seven years in education and advocacy as the Caritas Australia Justice Educator (Melbourne Archdiocese). Megan is supporting the United Nations 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which begins on 25th November - International Day for the E...limination of Violence Against Women and ends on 10th December - Human Rights Day. Human trafficking, a $150 billion global industry, is one of the greatest examples of violence against women and girls. Millions of women and girls are forced to marry, or to work in terrible conditions for little, or no, pay and no chance of an education. For years Megan developed close connections with the Caritas projects that supported communities to develop jobs and programs that would help prevent people being vulnerable to human trafficking. Now she will work in schools and communities to educate people about forced marriage. She will also train front-line workers to know the correct referral pathways for people who are at risk of, or who are in, a forced marriage. I do believe that many of the projects Caritas supported did prevent women and girls being forced into a marriage. Relieving poverty can be like an intervention, Megan said. For the past eighteen months Megan has also served as the Caritas representative on the Victoria-Tasmania Catholic Modern Slavery Taskforce. Working with ACRATH is a neat fit for me because it takes in my passion for Catholic social justice in action. Working to combat human trafficking and forced marriage is a way to do this, Megan said. We are called to accompany the vulnerable and marginalised. John’s Gospel talks about people having ‘life to the full’, but human trafficking is an affront to that. Megan is excited by the job, but also conscious of the challenges of working in communities and in schools where the well-being of young women needs to be the highest priority. For more 16 Days Against Gender-based Violence Campaign information and resources click here. ---- https://is.gd/iU4aYJ

03.01.2022 Thank you Katrine Hildyard MP for taking up the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.

03.01.2022 Temporary Migration Inquiry: In December 2019 the Australian Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on Temporary Migration to inquire into and report on the impact temporary migration has on the Australian economy, wages and jobs, social cohesion and workplace rights and conditions. ACRATH prepared a submission for this Inquiry. In developing the submission ACRATH drew on knowledge and experience gained through direct contact with temporary migrant workers who have ...been exploited and connections with local and faith communities in Australia and the Pacific. ACRATH's submission presents 10 recommendations to the Australia Government including that the Government: implement a national labour hire licensing scheme that covers all industries introduce stringent penalties for wage theft provide a mechanism for workers to report unlawful workplace practices increase resources and powers to the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Federal Police to undertake their functions in relation to issues covered under the Fair Work Act 2009 explore mechanisms and processes to ensure migrant workers claims, for example wage redress and superannuation recompense, are dealt with expeditiously and workers visas are amended to allow them to remain in Australia until their case/s are resolved A copy of ACRATH's submission can be obtained on the Inquiry website as Submission 108. Public hearing for this Inquiry will be held in September 2020 with the committee required to present its final report on or before 2 December 2020. ---- https://is.gd/5lRsNh

02.01.2022 September Action: During the month of September talk with 5 - 6 others about the possibility of setting up a Social Justice Group in your parish to keep before parishioners the call of the Scriptures and the Churchs social teaching to act justly. In your Social Justice group hold a discussion about how to ethically produced tea, coffee and chocolate. A helpful resource kit for this discussion can be found here. The kit will help you to: get started making your staffroom s...lavery-free discover how a school, Aquinas College in Ringwood, Victoria, went slavery-free understand the benefits of the slavery-free certification scheme for farmers in countries such as Peru and Ghana source slavery-free tea, coffee and drinking chocolate at the right price promote your slavery-free staffroom with a poster and other resources find answers to most questions about going slavery-free ACRATH calendars will be available soon. Order can be placed by emailing [email protected] ---- https://is.gd/twUfHF

02.01.2022 Action Needed Now: The NSW State Parliament passed Modern Slavery legislation in June 2018. The Act was passed unopposed. The NSW Modern Slavery Act is groundbreaking legislation as it not only refers to slavery in supply chains but the rights of victims and their need for support is also part of the Act. Unfortunately despite the Act being given royal assent in June 2018 the legislation has never been implemented. A Parliamentary Inquiry into the Act in 2019 recommended tha...t all aspects of the Act be implemented. Along with other NGOs ACRATH is advocating for the Act to be implemented. In introducing the Bill into Parliament the NSW Premier said: "There is an undeniable moral imperative to take action in relation to all forms of modern slavery." Residents of NSW are being asked to take part in an e-Petition to request that the NSW Modern Slavery Act be implemented. 20,000 signatures activates a petition debate in the Legislative Assembly. Your help in reaching this number is needed now. Click on the box below to sign the petition. Closing date for the petition is 3rd November. ACRATH would appreciate your help with this advocacy issue. Thank you. For more information click here. ---- https://is.gd/5ajJN2

01.01.2022 Human Dignity, Freedom and Care: Talitha Kum, the International Network Against Trafficking in Persons, invites you to participate in an online "Conversation among women of faith on human dignity, freedom and care". The event will be conducted in English with translation available in French and Spanish. This is the link to participate in the event on AUGUST 31 at 2pm CEST (Rome time)... https://bit.ly/3aSPfd6 Meeting ID: 891 1963 6828 ACRATH is a member of the Talitha Kum network, a network that is active in 92 countries spread across 5 continents. ---- https://is.gd/nlkebi

01.01.2022 In Australia! Slavery!!!: During these days when it is not possible to hold gatherings with guest speakers, ACRATH has developed a video resource that could be used to assist in raising awareness about human trafficking and slavery here in Australia. Schools may find this resources particularly helpful. The resources explains what human trafficking is and encourages viewers to take some action to assist in the fight against human trafficking and slavery. Click here to access the resource. ---- https://is.gd/V3wHCK