Modern slavery: our commitment to respecting human rights

Josh's experience

I came to the University of Sydney as an undergraduate Law and Arts student in early 2018. At the time, I had no awareness or interest in the global challenge of modern slavery. However since joining the University, I’ve become a keen activist for fighting against modern slavery – helping generate awareness among other students and help the University provide effective support for students at risk of exploitation.

It's said that modern slavery is hidden in plain sight. But, what no one tells you is that once you become aware of it you can't unsee it. Here are some facts that shocked me when I first learned them, and continue to shock me now: 

• In 2018, there were approximately 15,000 people estimated to be living in conditions of slavery in Australia. Almost five years on in 2023, that number stands at 41,000. That's enough people to fill Qudos Bank Arena twice.
• 49.6 million people are estimated to be living in modern slavery globally. That's twice the size of Australia's population and an increase of 10 million people since 2018.

These figures are disheartening to say the least. However, what has been encouraging is seeing the University make a genuine commitment and investment to fight modern slavery, especially as it relates to students. 

My current role as a Research Assistant in the University’s Modern Slavery Unit has given me a front row seat to seeing this commitment in action, including:

• Becoming the first University in the world to offer a dedicated Anti-Slavery Awareness module to educate students about modern slavery risks and support services. The module has now been completed by over 8600 students.
• Providing resources and information online via the Modern Slavery webpage, as well as to hundreds of students in-person at Welcome Fest, since 2020. 
• Making submissions to the Australian government to include student-specific risks of modern slavery in Australia’s modern slavery laws, ensuring students are better protected from exploitation. 
• Training our teams, including counselling, disability and health and wellbeing services, along with our Safer Communities Office and Student Centre, to identify modern slavery indicators and refer students to support services.
• Strengthening our due diligence practice to ensure the safety of students on overseas placements and students engaged through international student recruitment agents.

Although there is a long way to go, I am convinced that slavery can become a thing of the past, if we all do our part to recognise its warning signs and speak up when we see them. Until then, I'm proud to be part of the continuing fight against slavery. 

Read the University's 2022 Modern Slavery Statement (pdf, 4.4MB), which outlines our commitment to respecting human rights, strategy to address modern slavery and actions taken to date. 

References

^{[1] Consultation with University of Sydney academics: Dr Susan Banki, Dr Jyotirmoyee Bhattacharjya, Associate Professor Stephen Clibborn & Associate Professor Chris F Wright; Farbenblum, B. & Berg, L, International Students and Wage Theft in Australia, Migrant Justice Institute, UNSW Law & University of Technology Sydney, 2020.}