Stop the Traffic 2 - Fact Sheet
Learn about sexual servitude and trafficking for prostitution in Australia, examining human rights violations and the experiences of survivors of exploitation.
Summary
“Traffickers violate the basic human rights of victims to be free from sexual abuse, exploitation and slavery. The sexual servitude experienced by those trafficked for prostitution intrudes into and violates a human’s privacy and personal integrity.”
Stop the Traffic 2 (2003)
Fact Sheet: Trafficking Quotes
“Traffickers violate the basic human rights of victims to be free from sexual abuse, exploitation and slavery. The sexual servitude experienced by those trafficked for prostitution intrudes into and violates a human's privacy and personal integrity.”
President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the Hon. John von Doussa QC
“In Southeast Asia alone it is estimated that up to 225,000 women and children are being trafficked annually for sexual and labour exploitation. Australia will continue to work in partnership with countries, especially in the Asia Pacific region, to tackle this ongoing problem.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer – media release, 19 June 2003
“The illegal international trade in people has been growing considerably in recent years. Australia will not tolerate this repugnant trade which deals with women and children in a sexually exploitive manner.”
Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison – doorstop interview, 13 October 2003
“Most trafficking victims are in intensely vulnerable situations; they come from very disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, may not speak English, may be illiterate, have been subjected to severe forms of violence and abuse and suffer from ill-health.”
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women and Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson – media release, 15 October 2003
“Hundreds of women continue to be exploited in the Australian sex industry, bonded to brothel owners until they pay off debts of up to $35,000 to their traffickers. Girls as young as 13 have been sold to pay off family gambling debts, brought into Australia on visitor visas and treated as sex slaves.”
Shadow Minister for Population and Immigration and Shadow Minister for Women, Nicola Roxon – media release, 20 August 2003
“Trafficking of persons is a modern-day form of slavery, threatening the dignity and security of millions of people throughout the world.”
Australian Democrats' Status for Women spokesperson, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja – media release, 23 September 2003