Friday Nov 08, 2024
FT
Friday Nov 08, 2024
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The first ever Sri Lanka Summit on the Bali Process yesterday put spotlight on the critical roles of the Government and the private sector in combating human trafficking and modern slavery.
In 2002, the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transaction Crime was established as a non-binding, international, multilateral forum to facilitate cooperation, information sharing and policy development. Consisting of 45 member countries and four UN agencies, the regional forum has been effective in addressing irregular migration in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Under this aegis, the Bali Process Government and Business Forum (GABF) was set up as a strategic platform for collaboration between the private sector and Bali Process member states to address forced labour and human trafficking challenges.
The Capital Maharaja Group (CMG), the Sri Lanka Business lead of the Bali Process in partnership with Walk Free Foundation, Australia yesterday held the Bali Process GABF Sri Lanka Summit at the Stein Studio, Ratmalana, drawing around 50 participants from the Asia Pacific region and elsewhere. GABF Business Co-Chair and Fortescue Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Andrew Forrest who is second richest man in Australia according to Forbes and GABF Business Co-Chair and PT Adaro Energy President and CEO Garibaldi Thohir, considered Indonesia’s 17th richest person were present at the opening along with Australia’s Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking Lyn Bell and Indonesia Foreign Ministry Deputy Minister for Multilateral Cooperation Ambassador Tri Tharyat. The Summit was spearheaded by CMG Chairman and Managing Director Sashi Rajamahendran and GABF Sri Lanka Business Lead and CMG Director Chevaan Daniel.
Several Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Sri Lanka, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, SLPP MP Dhammika Perera and a host of officials and business leaders were also present.
In his address Sashi Rajamahendran said CMG has been a part of the Bali Process Movement for close to a decade now and is well aware of the depth of commitment of all members to the cause and the determination to make a difference in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery.
“This isn’t an easy conversation to have, but united we can do so much. CMG hosting this global summit is a testament to their unwavering support and commitment,” Rajamahendran added.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry in a video message reiterated Sri Lanka is committed for a long period of time to prevent forced labour and trafficking.
“It is in this context that the Government cannot, on their own, fight this as we see this from what we are going through at Myanmar and also in some parts of the Ukrainian and Russian conflict. It is important that we all work together, the businesses, the Governments, the media, in order to combat this menace because we all want to make a better world for all of us,” he said.
He commended CMG, Rajamahendran and Daniel for bringing this initiative to Sri Lanka and showcasing the country to the world and what Sri Lanka could offer in order to fight and combat this menace and come up with an alternative, sustainable business model which benefit the Governments, people, businesses and ultimately employees.
This is a great opportunity for all of us to get together and provide this platform to transform the way we do businesses, transform the way we employ people, transform the way we have our relationship between Governments, businesses and the employees.
Ambassador Bell stressed on the importance of the private sector’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery. “Business has significant power and the potential to improve the lives of workers and families right across our region by providing fair and safe employment and burgeoning economic opportunities,” she said.
“Governments also play a pivotal role in developing and strengthening legal and policy frameworks and working closely with our partners internationally, leading by example. Successful collaboration to address human trafficking and forced labour takes strong, coordinated, national, regional and global efforts from all stakeholders,” Bell added.
Ambassador Tharyat said GABF is a strategic platform of engagement and collaboration between government and private sectors that can be utilised by all value processing members in tackling challenges of trafficking in persons and exploitation throughout supply chains.
“Business will play a very pivotal role in combating trafficking in persons through job creation since it is lack of job opportunity that brings people becoming victims of trafficking and rising awareness in supply chain as well as the integration of the former victim in the job market and community,” he added.
GABF Business Co-Chair Dr. Forrest making a passionate speech said the problem of modern slavery and human trafficking is rising and all have deep responsibility to care for those who are most vulnerable.
He stressed the importance of vulnerable countries passing the required laws to combat this horrible scourge. “There are many-loved sons, much-loved daughters, much-loved husbands, or girls who have gone to try and build a better life for their family, and then had their lives snatched from them,” he said.
GABF Business Co-Chair Dr. Forrest also called for a level playing field for business so as to ensure higher economic growth, standard living and to compete successfully globally.
Business Co-Chair Garibaldi Thohir said technology has a pivotal role to play in identifying, preventing and disrupting trafficking networks but technology alone was not enough.
“As business leaders, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to address one of the root causes of trafficking in person, the lack of job opportunities within our own countries. Economic vulnerability and the desperate search for better life often push individuals into the hands of traffickers. By creating sustainable, dignified employment opportunities we can provide alternatives to perilous paths that lead to exploitation,” he emphasised.
“Businesses must be at the forefront of this effort. We must invest in our communities, provide fair wages, and ensure safe working conditions. We must support education and vocational training programs that equip individuals with the skills they need to secure stable employment,” he added.
According to him, by fostering economic resilience, Asia Pacific can cut off the supply lines that trafficking explicit. “Furthermore, our commitments must extend beyond the walls of our companies. We must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of trafficking in persons,” Thohir stressed.
GABF Sri Lanka Business Lead and CMG Director Chevaan Daniel described the Sri Lanka Summit as a dream come true. He said opportunity is what Sri Lankans want. “They’re looking for an opportunity, not help, support but an opportunity. That’s what we’re all here for. To give them a fair chance at reaching their potential.”
