Addressing forced labour, people trafficking and slavery requires a whole-of-society response, undertaken through strong partnerships across government agencies and with civil society, businesses, unions, academia and international partners. These practices and their outcomes have both direct and indirect implications for us all – including ourselves as individual consumers of goods and services.

This plan of action connects to relevant work being undertaken across government, including under related work programmes such as the implementation of New Zealand’s Transnational Organised Crime Strategy and Action Plan, and the work programme to address family violence and sexual violence. It also responds to New Zealand’s international obligations, including under the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention which New Zealand ratified in December 2019. It recognises the interrelationships between forced labour, people trafficking and slavery practices, and their connection with other forms of exploitation. It reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to prevent and eliminate these forms of modern slavery, and to provide victims with appropriate protection and support.