25/07 • MODERN SLAVERY

Slavery is closer to home than you think.

Modern slavery remains a significant global issue which Aotearoa New Zealand is not immune from.

In 2021, the International Organisation for Migration reported that 50 million people were trapped in slavery. Of these, 28 million were subjected to forced labour, and 22 million to forced marriage. This represents an alarming increase of ten million since 2016, with women and children remaining disproportionately affected. Modern slavery spans ethnic, cultural, and religious lines globally, with over half of forced labour and a quarter of forced marriages occurring in upper-middle-income or high-income countries, including New Zealand. 

The New Zealand Government has recently dismantled a leadership group created to guide modern slavery legislation. This has stoked fears that New Zealand will lag behind the global community in taking action meaningful action against modern slavery, which many New Zealanders are more connected to than they think.

The 2023 Index estimated that 8,000 individuals were living in modern slavery. Forced labour exploitation occurs in labour-intensive industries such as agriculture, dairy, horticulture, viticulture, construction, hospitality, and domestic services. Pacific migrants are particularly at risk of exploitation under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. In 2022, New Zealand imported $7.9 billion worth of products at high risk of being made with slavery, with households spending an average of $77 per week on such products. 

There is overwhelming support among the New Zealand public, businesses, and NGOs for modern slavery legislation, which would put an onus on businesses to proactively identify and mitigate modern slavery in their supply chains. This support includes a letter signed by over 100 New Zealand businesses, a petition with 38,000 signatures, and over 5,100 submissions during the Government’s public consultation. A nationwide poll by Talbot Mills Research showed strong support among New Zealanders (81%) for such legislation. Industry leaders argue that the legislation would ensure fair competition and protect their interests, with investors controlling assets exceeding $295 billion also advocating for this legislation. 

Despite strong support, the government has not made a public commitment to progressing modern slavery legislation. In fact, the disbanding of the modern slavery leadership advisory group is a significant step backwards, compounded with existing legislation delays from the previous government. The recent announcement by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden that at the moment, modern slavery is "...not a priority for us" have also jeopardised efforts to combat this issue.

Without decisive government action, NGOs like Anglican Missions are concerned that the response will remain fragmented and ineffective, failing to protect the vulnerable or eradicate modern slavery within New Zealand. 

Prayer points: 

For Government Action: Pray for the New Zealand government to prioritise and commit to progressing modern slavery legislation, recognising the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals. 

For Victims of Modern Slavery: Pray for the 8,000 individuals in New Zealand and the millions globally who are trapped in modern slavery. May they find freedom, healing, and hope. 

For Supportive Businesses and NGOs: Pray for the businesses, NGOs, and individuals advocating for modern slavery legislation. May their efforts be fruitful and lead to meaningful change. 

For Public Awareness and Engagement: Pray for increased awareness and understanding among the New Zealand public about the realities of modern slavery, leading to greater support for legislative and practical measures to combat this  

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