MEDIA RELEASE
13 June 2008

Submissions invited on discussion document on plan of action to prevent people trafficking.

Press Release for the Department of Labour

The Department of Labour are inviting the public to share their opinion on the development of a plan of action to prevent people trafficking by making a submission on a discussion document.

“People trafficking is a crime of control and exploitation. This work is about taking a proactive approach to prevent and combat it” Department of Labour Acting Group Manager of Workforce Policy Stephen Dunstan said.

“The Department of Labour has produced a public discussion document on behalf of the Interagency Working Group, which proposes the development of a plan of action to prevent people trafficking. The Department would like feedback from interested parties on the proposed approach of the plan of action, its development, and implementation” Mr Dunstan said.

It is intended that the information provided by submissions will give officials a greater understanding of the range of views, issues, and concerns which will then be considered in the development of the plan of action.

New Zealand enforcement authorities have found no evidence of cases of people trafficking despite a number of investigations both by Police and Immigration officials to identify trafficking activity.

“While New Zealand can be proud of its record in this area, we cannot afford to be complacent with an increasingly mobile world, it is vital that New Zealand continues on our record and is prepared to deal with any future cases that may arise, effectively and in accordance with international best practice” Mr Dunstan said.

“The Department is pursuing an open and transparent consultation process to consider how best to prevent and deal with any future cases of people trafficking in New Zealand. Following the consultation, the Department of Labour will report back to the Minister of Immigration with recommendations for a draft plan of action to prevent people trafficking” said Mr Dunstan.

The submission period will close on 31 July 2008.

Submission information

To make a submission:
• Phone Department of Labour 0508 558855 to be sent a copy of the discussion document and submission form
• Go to www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/peopletrafficking/index.asp
• Submissions can be emailed to submissions[at]dol.govt.nz

“This work will help ensure that New Zealand continues to work to reduce opportunities for transnational organised crime and assist maintaining the integrity of New Zealand’s borders, and continues to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a safe country.” Mr Dunstan said.

ENDS

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