8 March 2017

Australia congratulates ASEAN on the entry into force today of the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), signed by ASEAN leaders in November 2015.

This marks an important milestone for strengthening ASEAN cooperation. Australia stands ready to assist ASEAN Member States to implement obligations under the Convention and its associated Plan of Action. This commitment builds on our proud history of cooperation as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner and through the flagship Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP) program.

Australia is strongly committed to preventing and combating human trafficking and slavery in the ASEAN region and globally. As Co-Chair (with Indonesia) of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, we commend the entry into force of the Convention as a significant addition to the regional architecture in the fight against human trafficking.

Ambassador Jane Duke, Australian Mission to ASEAN

Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, Co-Chair Bali Process (Australia)