and residential care. The implementation of monitoring and enforcement is required to assist in meeting CRPD and CRC obligations.171 Australia must establish safeguards and monitoring mechanisms to uphold international human rights standards within ODA and blended-finance programs. TRAFFICKING Since the last UPR, Australia has strengthened anti-trafficking strategies, including modern slavery legislation, joining UNODC’s Blue Heart Campaign, launching ASEAN-Australian Counter Trafficking Initiative, and delinking support for survivors of forced marriage from the criminal justice system for 200 days. Access to government funded support for other survivors, however, remains contingent on participation in criminal justice processes, creating barriers to support. The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery is incomplete. Funding to NGOs has been reduced and there are significant delays in renewing funding. Orphanage trafficking, whilst recognised in modern slavery law, cannot be prosecuted under Australia’s trafficking laws. Australia must promote a human rights-based approach and ensure that the rights of victims, including to redress and economic and social support, are protected. Australia must also bring its trafficking laws into conformity with international obligations. SEX WORK Australia’s response to sexually transmissible infections has involved effective strategies, including supporting sex worker community organising and peer education. This has supported sex workers to implement safer sex practices, resulting in the virtual elimination of HIV among sex workers.172 However, sex workers still experience high levels of discrimination and stigma and are negatively impacted by the criminalisation of sex work, licensing, registration and mandatory testing in some jurisdictions. Additionally, criminal laws remain in relation to sex work and HIV in VIC and QLD, and there is a lack of consistent anti-discrimination protections for sex workers.173 Australia must encourage a consistent approach to the decriminalisation of sex work and introduce measures to tackle discrimination against sex workers. 15

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