STRATEGY FOR THE PLAN OF ACTION

Principles

The aim of the plan of action is to implement an overarching framework to review, develop, refine and enhance New Zealand’s anti-people trafficking strategies. This includes a framework for aligning and coordinating efforts by society including NGOs, academics and the Government.

The plan of action would outline short, medium and long term goals, and seek responsibilities of government departments to undertake the agreed work programmes or services. Much of the work would be cross-government; other work would be undertaken in partnership with other countries or NGO partners. All agencies involved could work within collaborative relationships to achieve the goals of the plan of action.

Key Steps

The proposed key steps to develop a preventative people trafficking strategy are:

• consult the public and interested organisations,
• draft the plan of action,
• finalise the plan of action and seek Cabinet approval,
• implement the work programmes agreed in the plan of action, and
• review and report back implementation and outcomes.

Consult the public

The initial step is to seek a wide range of input from interested parties to develop an overview to identify strengths/weaknesses in the current framework.  Then government agencies can work to identify and gain consensus on the elements to form the plan of action.  

Draft the plan of action

The plan of action could then be written that addresses the views of submitters and the ability of government agencies and NGOs to deliver on programmes and initiatives. 

Finalise the plan of action

When government agencies and NGOs partners have agreed to the way forward the plan of action can be finalised and adopted by Government.  Following this the plan of action would be released to the public and implemented across government agencies and NGOs.

Implement the plan of action

The plan of action could then be implemented, and Government would work to consolidate and increase cooperation with key regional counterparts by developing bilateral/multilateral agreements to prevent people trafficking across state borders.  

Monitor the effectiveness of the plan of action

Implementation of the plan of action would require a reporting framework to measure the implementation, operation and outcomes of the New Zealand Government’s action plan.  Examples of indicators could include:

• awareness of trafficking among police and immigration enforcement officers,
• awareness of trafficking among public, social services and private organisations,
• appropriateness of services available for victims of people trafficking,
• cooperation in international and regional efforts to combat trafficking, and
• development of training for investigation into trafficking.

Agencies with responsibility for operational matters should continue to cooperate closely and effectively to ensure a coordinated and coherent response on people trafficking matters.  Ongoing consultations with interested parties and community representatives are an integral part of this work.

QUESTIONS

What additional factors should be measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of action?

Do you have any further comments?

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