Justice and Peace Commission backs anti-slavery bill

In a submission to Parliament’s Justice Select Committee on the Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, the commission considered the bill through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.

The commission stated that the bill “strongly aligns with Catholic Social Teaching, particularly in its commitment to human dignity, solidarity, the common good and the preferential option for the poor”.

“It represents a vital step in the ongoing effort to eradicate slavery and human trafficking, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, and we as a whole take responsibility for protecting our most vulnerable members in society,” the submission said.

But the commission noted that “the Church advocates not only for punitive measures, but also for proactive efforts to prevent exploitation”.

“The increased penalties should be accompanied by measures that raise awareness of slavery and human trafficking, particularly in vulnerable communities, and promote early intervention and support for at-risk individuals.

“Our teachings also emphasise restorative justice, which includes offering support to victims of exploitation and slavery. Victims should receive legal, psychological and social support to help rebuild their lives.

“We recommend the bill be enhanced by advocating for victim-centred services and reintegration programmes to ensure that those freed from slavery are given the opportunity to live with dignity and security.”

An explanatory note to the bill stated that New Zealand had dropped from tier one to tier two in The 2021 Traffic in Persons (TIP) Report by the US State Department.

This is because “New Zealand no longer fully meets the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 minimum standard to stay in tier one”. It was recommended that New Zealand progress with strengthening its approach to human trafficking.

The explanatory note stated that section 98D of the current Crimes Act on human trafficking imposes a fine not exceeding $500,000, a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years, or both. But New Zealand has never prosecuted a sex trafficking crime through section 98D.

“By increasing the penalty in section 98 of the Act, where the seven New Zealand cases of traffickers have been convicted, we have the ability to give a significantly harsher penalty that is consistent with 98D,” the explanatory note stated.

FULL STORY

Justice and Peace Commission submission on Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill (NZ Parliament)

Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill explanatory note (NZ Parliament)