LexisNexis
6 May 2013
Trafficking in Persons in Australia — Myths and Realities
Announcing the launch of the first comprehensive analysis of Australian trafficking in persons. In the captivating new book Trafficking Persons in Australia: Myths and Realities, authors Andreas Schloenhardt and Jarrod M Jolly expose the disturbing phenomenon of trafficking in persons as it exists in Australia and examine the Government's response to this heinous crime.
"While trafficking in persons is receiving more attention than at any time in history, it remains a phenomenon not well understood and too often characterised by simplistic generalisations and stereotypes," note the two authors. "Ten years after the Australian Government first announced its Action
Plan to Eradicate Trafficking in Persons, much of the common perception of trafficking is based on myths rather than reality."
"What inspired us to write this book," remarks Professor Schloenhardt, "is that sober assessments of the nature and scale of trafficking in persons in Australia, backed by a critical analysis of the available evidence, are few and far between, especially insofar as research on trafficking outside the sex industry is concerned."
It is hoped that this book is a catalyst in improving Australia's international and national record on combating trafficking in persons
"Trafficking in persons is by no means a new phenomenon," adds Jarrod Jolly. "What is new, are the modi operandi, routes, victims and offenders, who adapt to changes in law enforcement and to fluctuations in supply and demand in this vile trade. Politicians, government agencies and academics alike struggle to adapt their work to a phenomenon that is constantly changing."
Trafficking Persons in Australia: Myths and Realities seeks to displace the sensationalist claims made about trafficking in persons, challenge the many myths about trafficking, and highlight the contemporary realities of this crime. The book identifies and analyses reported and suspected instances of trafficking in persons in Australia in all its forms, including trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage, labour trafficking, child trafficking, and trafficking for the purpose of organ removal. It explores the evolution and operation of international and domestic law and critically evaluates the Australian Government's response to trafficking in persons against international law and best practice guidelines. The book outlines and evaluates the legislative, regulatory and policy responses of Australian Governments at Federal and State Territory levels in prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims of trafficking and preventing trafficking.
"Our book seeks to give greater prominence and provide accurate analysis of the topic of trafficking in persons in Australia," says Schloenhardt. "It is designed to inform key stakeholders and generate public debate on this topic, and make a significant contribution to the scholarship in this field."
"It is hoped that this book is a catalyst in improving Australia's international and national record on combating trafficking in persons," adds Jolly.
The unjust economic exploitation of vulnerable people, especially women and children, through trafficking is a direct consequence of the absence of Rule of Law
Schloenhardt and Jolly lead the Human Trafficking Working Group at The University of Queensland, which was set up in March 2008 to comprehensively document, explore, and analyse trafficking in persons and develop recommendations to prevent and suppress this crime and protect the rights of trafficked persons. Since the inception of the Working Group five years ago, over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students have participated in this research initiative.
Published by LexisNexis Pacific, Trafficking Persons in Australia: Myths and Realities is the first LexisNexis textbook in Australia to directly support the company's purpose: to advance the Rule of Law around the world.
"The unjust economic exploitation of vulnerable people, especially women and children, through trafficking is a direct consequence of the absence of Rule of Law," said TJ Viljoen, CEO at LexisNexis Pacific. "In a society not adequately governed by the Rule of Law, human beings will be traded as goods."
LexisNexis Pacific is committed to combating human trafficking by offering direct financial support and legal and technical advice to organisations working in the field to eradicate the illegal trade wherever it exists. The primary focus has been on building awareness, providing legal capacity for pro bono and staff volunteer work and working to promote the Rule of Law by providing access to the primary sources of law.
Trafficking Persons in Australia: Myths and Realities is available from 1 May 2013 on the LexisNexis online bookstore. For every copy of Trafficking Persons in Australia: Myths and Realities purchased, LexisNexis will donate one dollar toward the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons.
To make a contribution of your own or find out more, visit http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking-fund/human-trafficking-fund.html
Media Contacts
Kelsey Halseth
Public Relations Manager, LexisNexis Pacific
Tel: +61 2 9422 2036
Email: kelsey.halseth@lexisnexis.com.au
Andrew Rowe
Chief Marketing Officer, LexisNexis Pacific
Tel: +61 2 9422 2049
Email: andrew.rowe@lexisnexis.com.au
Louise Nealon
CallidusPR
Tel: +61 2 92834114 / +61 403 569 177
Email: louise@calliduspr.com