MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to launch officially the Asia Regional Cooperation to Prevent
People Trafficking project to help combat the trafficking of women and
children in South East Asia.
This initiative, funded by an Australian contribution of $8.5 million, is
being delivered through the Australian Agency for International Development
(AusAID) in cooperation with ASEAN and partner country governments.
Trafficking of women and children, including for sexual exploitation, both
regionally and globally, is of increasing concern. It has been identified by
ASEAN as a priority issue for regional cooperation.
Australia is working closely with ASEAN and partner country governments
in the region to develop cross-country prevention and prosecution mechanisms
to deal with people traffickers and develop practical measures to counter this
illegal trade more effectively.
The project began in April of this year and is now underway in Cambodia,
Laos, Burma and Thailand.
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.
This project is part of a much broader package of Australian development
assistance aimed at combating people smuggling, trafficking in women and related
trans-national crime in the Asia Pacific region worth approximately $24 million
over six years.
The Australian Government will continue to support regional efforts to
counter trans-national crime, and will provide funding for programs that combat
people trafficking, reduce poverty, and assist the most vulnerable communities
in our region.
Mr Downer is in Cambodia for the annual ASEAN Regional Forum
meeting.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489