New Zealand Faces Modern Slavery Crisis with 8,000 Victims Estimated

A recent report has revealed that New Zealand may have as many as 8,000 victims of modern slavery, a stark contrast to the official estimate of only 31 trafficking cases reported annually. This significant discrepancy has raised concerns among anti-trafficking experts and government officials about the nation’s approach to combating human trafficking and exploitation.

The report from Walk Free, as part of its Global Slavery Index, places New Zealand at 148th out of 160 countries regarding the prevalence of slavery. While the report acknowledges recent legislative measures, including the criminalisation of forced marriage and the development of a national action plan, it emphasizes the urgent need for a national referral mechanism (NRM) and enhanced resources for support services.

Calls for Stronger Action Against Trafficking

Rebecca Kingi, an independent legal specialist in trafficking, voiced her concerns about the current systems in place. She pointed out that New Zealand’s operational strategy appears outdated, relying on the belief that trafficking predominantly occurs across borders. This perspective has hindered effective responses to the issue domestically.

Kingi stated, “We don’t have systems in place to adequately collect data and intelligence around trafficking in persons. To my knowledge, the police do not have specific systems in relation to that, so it’s going to be very hard without those systems.” She noted that victims often do not report their situations, fearing deportation if Immigration New Zealand leads trafficking responses.

The New Zealand police reported 19 ongoing investigations last year, which included cases involving the trafficking of children, forced labour, and exploitation of workers. Additionally, there were 31 new investigations initiated. Despite these efforts, experts believe the actual number of trafficking cases is likely much higher.

Need for a Police-Led Trafficking Unit

Kingi highlighted the necessity of establishing a police-led trafficking unit similar to models used in other countries. For instance, the National Crime Agency in the UK and the Australian Federal Police have dedicated units trained to handle the complexities of trafficking cases. In contrast, New Zealand’s approach has often been perceived as primarily immigration-focused, which can deter victims from seeking help.

The lack of a robust, proactive investigative framework could lead to underreporting of trafficking incidents. Kingi remarked, “Other countries have usually got a primary model of police leading trafficking enforcement.” The current situation in New Zealand may leave many victims without the necessary support and protection.

In response to these concerns, Associate Immigration Minister Casey Costello stated that she is receiving advice from a ministerial advisory group focusing on organized crime. She acknowledged the need for a stronger system to address all aspects of serious crime, including trafficking.

The report by Walk Free and the insights from experts underline the urgency for New Zealand to reassess its strategies in combating modern slavery. Without significant changes to data collection, victim support, and enforcement strategies, the country risks falling further behind in its fight against human trafficking.