Statement of Australia at the March 15 Debate on Forced Labour

Eradicating slavery and sexual violence, in particular in conflict situations, is an essential precondition for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Canada has taken a strong stance on the prevention of all forms of exploitation and violence against women and girls in situations of conflict. In particular, Canada will welcome approximately 1,200 vulnerable Yazidi women and children who have been subjected to the most heinous forms of sexual exploitation.New Zealand has secured a landmark trafficking conviction, which resulted in a substantial sentence and an order to pay reparations.