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GABF seeks to combat human trafficking and modern slavery
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
The first Sri Lanka Summit of the Bali Process Government and Business Forum (GABF) to combat human trafficking and modern slavery took place on June 13 at the Stein Studios in Ratmalana. The summit was organised by the Capital Maharaja Group (CMG) and the Sri Lanka Business Lead of the Bali Process in partnership with Walk Free Foundation, in Australia.
Andrew Forrest
Addressing the summit were Chairman/MD of CMG Sashi Rajamahendran; Ambassador to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking, Australia, Lynn Bell; Deputy Minister for Multilateral Cooperation, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tri Tharyat; GABF Business Co-Chair and Founder/Executive Chairman of Fortescue, Dr Andrew Forrest; GABF Business Co-Chair and President Director/CEO of PT Adaro Energy in Indonesia, Garibaldi Thohir; and Sri Lanka Business Lead of GABF and Group Director of CMG Chevaan Daniel, with a virtual appearance by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, along with members of parliament and other prominent figures attending the summit.
Lynn Bell
Addressing the delegates via a video message, minister Sabry said: “Sri Lanka is committed, for a long period of time, to prevent forced labour and trafficking. It is in this context that the Government cannot on their own fight this, as we’ve seen this from what we are going through in Myanmar and in some parts of the Ukrainian and Russian conflict,” highlighting the importance of working together to combat the menace.
“Australia is firmly committed to working with our partners to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute instances of modern slavery,” Ms Bell said, emphasising that the Australian Government has passed an amendment to the modern slavery act to establish Australia’s first federal anti-slavery commission.
“Business will play a very pivotal role in combating trafficking in persons through job creation since it is lack of job opportunity that brings people becoming victims of trafficking, and rising awareness in supply chain as well as the integration of the former victim in the job market and community,” commented Tri Tharyat, expressing his eagerness to learn the challenges and effects of human trafficking in Sri Lanka.
Dr Forrest stressed on a call for action urging the ministers on behalf of the 50 million slaves, mostly girls and women.
“As business leaders, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to address one of the root causes of trafficking in persons; the lack of job opportunities in our own countries,” Mr Thohir said stressing the need for businesses to invest in communities to provide fair wages and ensure safe working conditions.
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