The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 2 December 2021

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today. In Advocating for the elimination of child and forced marriage, the Committee makes nine recommendations which support the efforts already being made, by the Australian Government and NGOs. ‘The Committee has heard through contributions to its inquiry that open community dialogue, education and women’s empowerment can shift social norms and create environments that discourage the practice,’ Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee, said. ‘Through this inquiry, the Committee learnt of the work undertaken by the Australian Government on child and forced marriage in recent years, situated as it is among broader human trafficking and modern slavery issues.’ Mr Andrews said. The Committee noted this an issue that has been viewed from several perspectives, with a role for the Australian Government to: work directly with other countries to provide assistance in the elimination of child and forced marriage; raise awareness and ensure that the issue is kept on the agenda across multilateral forums and bodies, including the United Nations; and respond to cases of child and forced marriage with Australia, and those affecting Australians when overseas. This work was conducted as part of the Committee’s current inquiry into the Annual Report of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2019-2020. Details of the inquiry are available from the Committee’s website, and a list of recommendations is also available separately. Media inquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP Chair, Human Rights Sub-committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Cristy Elliott (03) 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 13 May 2021

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage. It is estimated that over 15 million people globally are living in a forced marriage, and this has been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF anticipates that as a result of the pandemic, up to 10 million more girls will be at risk of becoming child brides over the next decade. Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee said ‘Australia has played a strong international role in efforts to combat modern slavery and there are aspects and considerations between those abhorrent practices which often have a greater impact on women and children’. Deputy Chair, Mr Chris Hayes MP said, ‘the Sub-committee is particularly interested in how combatting child and forced marriage can be a targeted, coordinated and effective focus of Australia’s international development strategy and programs’. The hearing is being held as part of its inquiry into aspects of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Annual Report 2019-20. One public hearing is planned so far, although there may be opportunities for future engagement. The Sub-committee looks forward to hearing evidence from government departments, civil society organisations and other interested parties on these issues. Public hearing details People interested in participating in the public hearing are asked to contact the Secretariat by 1 June 2021, by submitting a short email (up to 150 words) to jscfadt@aph.gov.au describing your interest or views on one or all of the below questions:   How does Australia currently engage internationally to promote the elimination of child and forced marriage? What additional steps can Australia take to advocate for the elimination of child and forced marriage? For example, by: engaging with international institutions and likeminded countries; cooperating with non-government organisations; bilateral engagement or other diplomatic activities; and other appropriate means. The Sub-committee will review the expressions of interest, and prepare a public hearing program that best accommodates all views in the time available. Expressions of interest will not be published. Written submissions in response to the above matters are also welcome and these may be published at a future time. Submissions should be lodged with the Secretariat before 1 June 2021. More details on arrangements for the hearing will be available from the Committee’s website when they are finalised. Media inquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Sub-committee Chair Contact: Cristy Elliot Email: menzies@aph.gov.au Phone: 03 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au