NCJ Number
178571
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Undocumented migration into Australia through smuggling and trafficking in human beings is examined with respect to its nature and extent, the immigrants and traffickers involved, law enforcement responses, current and proposed legislative reforms, and international cooperation to address these issues.
Abstract
Undocumented migration includes both voluntary and involuntary migration. Trafficking is a form of involuntary migration that can include kidnapping, forced labor, confinement, and other human rights abuses. Australian authorities apprehended and turned around 4,963 people who were undocumented arrivals at Australian airports from July 1995 to February 1999. Traffickers use land, sea, and air routes. A flexible network of organized crime appears to be involved in trafficking. Trafficking may also involve the corruption of public officials; the trafficking enterprise involves many people. The main law enforcement agencies involved in addressing people smuggling and trafficking are the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Customs Service, and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Australian legislation allows the prosecution of persons of persons responsible for smuggling or trafficking in humans. Australian has arrangements with other countries to aid the immediate turn-around of undocumented migrants who are intercepted. Australia's response to child sex tourism also demonstrates how law enforcement and prosecution can occur. The Australian government is considering the introduction of legislation regarding slavery and sexual servitude. The country participates actively in international meetings that consider smuggling and trafficking in persons. The Australian Institute of Criminology is also taking part in a United Nations program on this issue and will conduct research on the Asia-Pacific region. 16 references