This report reviews one proposed treaty action: the International Labour Organization Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) (the Protocol).
Notwithstanding the two existing conventions that outlaw forced labour—the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957— instances of forced labour across the world are increasing. The Protocol aims to address gaps in the existing conventions to combat the evolving nature of forced labour.
The Protocol requires Members to take effective measures to prevent and eliminate forced labour; protect, support and compensate victims; and sanction perpetrators. It establishes six mandatory actions Members must take to prevent forced labour, encompassing education, planning, legislation and regulation, enforcement, supporting victims, and addressing root causes.
The Committee received a request from the Attorney-General to expedite its consideration of the treaty so Australia could ratify the Protocol as soon as possible. The National Interest Analysis established a number of sound reasons for Australia to ratify the Protocol, including that it would reflect Australia’s global leadership on forced labour issues and enhance its ability to address the practices authoritatively. The Committee agreed to this request and completed its inquiry by 29 March 2022, with the treaty tabled for 1, rather than the standard 20 joint sitting days.
The Committee is of the view forced labour should, without exception, be outlawed and notes Australia is already in compliance with the obligations established by the Protocol. Australia’s commitment to eliminating forced labour is clear and unequivocal, though the work to achieve this objective is unfinished. Forms of forced labour continue to be present in Australia, and are too often undetected.
The Committee supports this treaty action and recommends binding treaty action be taken.
This report also contains the Committee’s review of several minor treaty actions: amendments to Appendices I and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; and Resolutions passed by the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee.
The Committee supports these minor treaty actions and agreed binding treaty action be taken for those not already deemed accepted and/or in force.