The Australian Institute of Criminology released a report assessing human trafficking trends in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region between 2007 and 2008. The report details governmental responses to trafficking, comparing Australia’s approach to those of other Asia-Pacific countries. The report identifies factors that contribute to high levels of trafficking within a country, and highlights economic instability as a major obstacle to effectively identifying and preventing trafficking activities. The report notes that trafficking is increasingly recognized as a distinct crime by legislators and courts throughout the region, and offers recommendations for continuing to prevent and prosecute trafficking activities. Finally, the report stresses the need for further research on trafficking with a literature survey and more than 80 expert interviews identifying research gaps on the issue.
Compiled from: "Trafficking in Persons Monitoring Report," Australian Institute of Crimonlogy (2009); Peter Veness, "Trafficked Women 'Used as Prostitutes,'" The Age (23 October 2009).