WELLINGTON, June 21 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will be ratifying the International Labor Organization's (ILO) protocol on forced labor and supporting work by the ILO to end violence and harassment at work, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Iain Lees-Galloway said on Friday.
Lees-Galloway made the statement after returning from attending the ILO's 100th anniversary conference in Geneva.
"Forced labor and modern slavery, in any situation, goes against what we stand for as a country that supports the wellbeing of our people," the minister said, adding New Zealand will join 32 other countries in ratifying the protocol on forced labor.
The ILO protocol is a binding, treaty-level agreement which requires members to prevent and eliminate forced labor in their country, including modern slavery and human trafficking. The protocol also requires that victims of these crimes are fairly and rightfully provided with protection, support and access to justice.
"Becoming party to the protocol sends a clear message of the importance that we place on tackling forced labor and other forms of modern slavery in New Zealand and around the world," Lees-Galloway said.
The government is committed to taking serious action against any exploitative practices, including those against migrants, he said, adding, "Migrants bring skills we need to grow our economy and vibrant cultures that enrich our society."
