During a presentation in 2019, Pope Francis said, “Trafficking as I said represents an unjustifiable violation of the freedom and dignity of its victims, of those constitutive dimensions of the human being as willed and created by God. For this reason, it is to be considered a crime against humanity. Of this, there can be no doubt. The same gravity, by analogy, must be attributed to all forms of contempt for the freedom and dignity of every human being, whether a compatriot or a foreigner.”
As Catholic’s we are taught, both through the gospel and Catholic Social Teachings, about human dignity and the common good. Around the world, including here in Australia, we see many examples of practices of modern slavery, which fail to uphold these principles.
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we have a commitment to helping end modern slavery by working to identify and rectify risks, which exist in our supply chains. This includes working with our suppliers, of both goods and services, to ensure they understand the risks of modern slavery and are taking necessary and appropriate steps to minimise these risks within their businesses.
Modern slavery statements
Under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) businesses with an annual consolidated revenue above 100 million are required to report every year on actions taken to asses and address modern slavery risks in operations and supply chains. We are a member of ACAN, the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network and submit our annual Modern Slavery Statement as a part of this network.
- Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements 2023
- 2023 Statement
- 2022 Statement
- 2021 Statement
- 2020 Statement
“Through the intercession of St Josephine Bakhita, who was enslaved as a child, sold and bought, but was eventually liberated and then flourished in fullness as a daughter of God, I pray for you.” – Pope Francis