List of recommendations

2.62The Committee recommends the Australian Government:

Commit to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to women and children; and

Create a roadmap identifying measures which can be taken in order to improve Australia’s performance in the SDGs and in assisting our strategic partners to meet goals under the framework.

3.97The Committee recommends the Australian Government, when developing and implementing the new International Gender Equality Strategy, identify gender-based violence as a key strategic issue, and identify pathways and mechanisms to support its regional neighbours in addressing related issues.

3.98The Committee recommends the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade investigate and implement strategies to assist in the improvement of legal frameworks and support services in the Indo-Pacific regarding gender-based violence.

3.101The Committee recommends the Australian Government:

Work with state and territory governments in identifying potential gaps in legislation where acid attacks may not be sufficiently encapsulated, and where improvements can be made to data collection, risk assessment and screening tools;

Consider the viability of the introduction of a Commonwealth offence specifically directed at violence using acid as a weapon, including models which prohibit the sale of certain corrosive substances and potential amendments to Division 271 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and

Conduct research in relation to the prevalence, nature and impacts of acid attacks in Australia, particularly in relation to support services and medical assistance.

3.106The Committee recommends the Australian Government develop and implement strategies to counteract orphanage trafficking and tourism, including:

The adoption of a whole-of-government position explicitly condemning the practice of orphanage trafficking and orphanage tourism;

Developing stronger guidance material for travellers in relation to potential risks in relation to orphanage tourism and volunteering;

Working with multilateral partners (including via interparliamentary working groups and the Inter-parliamentary Union) to eliminate orphanage trafficking and tourism;

Improved regulation and oversight by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission in relation to institutions engaging in (or suspected to be engaged in) orphanage trafficking and tourism; and

The creation of a specific offence criminalising orphanage trafficking.

3.110The Committee recommends the Australian Government develop legislation addressed at the rights of the victims of child sexual abuse material, including:

The provision of legal pathways to enable victims (including those in overseas jurisdictions) to seek civil penalties from the perpetrator, including compensation and restitution; and

Victim access to a perpetrator notification system from law enforcement agencies.

4.72The Committee recommends the Australian Government continue to use international forums, including bilateral platforms and interparliamentary networks, to emphasise the need to strengthen laws and protections regarding the human rights of women and children in conflict and crisis situations. This should include an emphasis on developing and strengthening responses to issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, children in exploitative environments and industries, and modern slavery.

4.73The Committee recommends the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) ensure that all activities concerning humanitarian, crisis or disaster responses involving DFAT-funded or -supported entities be:

Assessed upon application on the basis of local engagement with the community, including the requirement of a statement by the applicant on the basis of local engagement, particularly emphasising gender diversity and considerations of the needs of children;

Monitored at appropriate intervals to determine outcomes and impact; and

Reported to the Parliament as part of the DFAT annual report.

4.74The Committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade allocate a specific portion of Official Development Assistance funding to projects relating to data collection on issues affecting women and children.

4.75The Committee recommends that the Australian Government develop an International Children’s Development Strategy which outlines:

Australia’s commitment to upholding the rights of children internationally;

Reflect commitments made via international legislation and agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals;

Identify mechanisms and approaches in which it can support neighbours and partners in enhancing their international law obligations and promote the rights of children in local and regional settings; and

Provide mechanisms in which children can be involved in policy development on matters which affect their interests, lives and rights.