Archbishop opens lid on modern slavery
Palmerston North people will be encouraged to open their eyes to the possibility of human trafficking and slavery in New Zealand, in a talk at the Central Library on Saturday.
Anglican Archbishop Sir David Moxon, formerly the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to Rome, will provide an insight into the worldwide issue that has refused to be consigned to history.
Moxon’s work with faith-based groups around the world has alerted him to estimates there are up to 30 million victims of the trade, including about 2000 cases in New Zealand over several years.
Moxon said he found it shocking that the crime against humanity persisted and happened so close to home.
There was no such thing as ‘‘a degree’’ of slavery. The internationally agreed criteria was that if a person was not paid, had their passport taken, and could not or did not feel free to leave safely, that was slavery.
In New Zealand the most likely places where it could happen were in orchards, at sea, and in the sex industry.
‘‘Unfortunately, it is so hard to discover and prosecute. That’s not through lack of effort and sincere work, but the nature of the activity is elusive and hides.’’
Moxon said he hoped his talk would encourage more people to be aware of the problem, and join international groups working to detect and respond.
‘‘There are not going to be many people in Palmerston North directly affected.
‘‘But be aware, for example, if you notice a worker who did not get paid, and if you come across someone who has been liberated from that situation, you can offer friendship – something police and social workers do not have time for.’’
Moxon’s visit to Palmerston North includes a service and seminar at his home parish of All Saints.
His talk at the Central Library runs from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday August 10.