Input for Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

RACS welcomes this opportunity to respond to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery’s call for input in preparation for the upcoming country visit to Australia in November 2024.

While the Australian Government has committed to combating modern slavery*, RACS observes that refugees and people seeking asylum remain at serious risk of exploitation. This community continues to be highly politicised, stigmatised and marginalised by legal frameworks; the cumulative effect of which places them in precarious conditions that can heighten their risk of experiencing modern slavery.

Our submission reflects on our experience of working closely with and supporting refugees, people seeking asylum and the stateless to bring attention to the:

• Lack of proper recognition for the experience of modern slavery and fears relating to modern slavery in the context of assessing claims for asylum; and

• The risk of exploitative practices and modern slavery in Australia for people on temporary visas without the right to work and/or study and lack of access to supports

*See Australian Government, National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25, available at: <https://www.ag.gov.au/crime/publications/national-action-plan-combat-modern-slavery-2020-25>.