Human Trafficking Bill a mighty leap for justice

Transcript

An advocate for families in American Samoa says the Fono's passing of a Bill criminalising human trafficking is a mighty leap for justice.

The Vice Chair of the multidisciplinary team against family violence says she hopes the Bill will be used as a tool to release victims from bondage and bring offenders to account.

Ipu Lefiti says the Bill will highlight crimes of oppression and encourage people to assist potential victims of trafficking.

Ms Lefiti told Jenny Meyer about the legislation:

IPU LEFITI: We're happy to say it's already been passed through the Fono and it's just awaiting the Governor's approval and his signature.

JENNY MEYER: And what's the significance of this Bill reaching this stage, what will it mean for people?

IL: Oh my gosh, it's of awesome significance because we finally have a language on what it is that basically we've been doing for years. And people call it 'culture' or what have you, but now we have a word on what human trafficking is. Not only that but we have the language on it so that everything can be pointed out. All the different behaviours and the different actions and what not that are being done against domestic and other workers.

JM: Who are the people who are most likely to benefit from this Bill becoming law?

IL:  Actually it will be all of us. Not only will it be those of us who live in American Samoa but also the people that are coming to visit and the people that are brought in.

JM: So are you seeing situations where children are being trafficked or women are being trafficked or sold? What's been going on there?

IL: Well what has been surfacing just lately is young women that were brought in for domestic purposes, whether it's to take care of children or the elderly. And what has surfaced is that they are also being forced or coerced into sexual bondage. And they are also threatened under those circumstances to remain silent. Or they are also encouraged to return to their islands and to come back with other young girls of their families.

Ipu Lefiti says the Bill will finally expose how victims of human trafficking are being terrorized and suppressed.