Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank the Governments of Australia and Indonesia, and commend the champions for blazing a path for other business leaders to join the fight against human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is proud to be part of the Bali Process, which has provided a key regional platform for dialogue to tackle human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other forms of exploitation and transnational organized crime.
Partnership and coordination with the private sector are essential to effectively address shared challenges.
We stand ready to expand our support, including through our dedicated team in the UNODC Regional Office in Bangkok.
This year, the UN General Assembly is reviewing the Global Plan of Action against human trafficking.
On 4 and 5 September, a GA consultation on migrant smuggling, human trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery will be held in Vienna as part of efforts to develop new global compacts for refugees and for safe, orderly and regular migration.
As the international community works towards these important goals, the private sector has an important role to play. I hope we can count on your support.
Businesses can help address conditions and stop crimes such as human trafficking and forced labour from gaining a foothold in our communities and supply chains.
They can advise governments, implement sound and humane practices in their own operations and mobilize much-needed resources to carry on the fight for justice, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
This new alliance for change under the Bali Process Government and Business Forum is thus an important and very welcome next step.
As ever, UNODC, as guardian of the UN Convention against Organized Crime and its protocols on human trafficking and migrant smuggling, supports you as we work together to protect the vulnerable, assist trafficking victims and stop the criminals.
Thank you.