(This RAG is not an agency of or controlled by, Rotary International)
Dear friends
Welcome to our new subscribers.
It is encouraging to see the Federal Government is inquiring into whether it should adopt national legislation to combat modern slavery, comparable to the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015. (For commentary on the UK legislation, see the RAGAS Newsletter #68 and #73). We are currently looking into whether, and how, the Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery might make a submission to this inquiry, as was done by our parent body in UK back in 2014. For more information on the Federal Inquiry, see the link below.
This Easter, we are encouraged to make it a “Traffik Free Easter” by selecting only brands of chocolate that are ethically produced, and we thank Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Haighs for stocking ethically produced Easter Eggs. Further, we acknowledge that many brands, including Cadbury, Mars, Nestle, Lindt, Ferrero and Hershey are taking steps towards making their chocolate “Traffik Free”, for which they are to be congratulated, while being encouraged to not stop before slavery and child labour are completely eliminated from their supply chains. It is disappointing to see Darrell Lea does not appear to be following suit, and we urge them to act now.
It was a great pleasure to welcome two new members of RAGAS in Victoria; Stephen Bellamy and Glenn Rundell from the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak.
Tony Stokes: tony@ragas.online
RAGAS Coordinator for Victoria, Australia
NEWS
On Wednesday, 15 February 2017 the Attorney-General, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on Establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia.
The committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday April 28, 2017.
Click above to read full press release.
The global chocolate industry is notorious for the use of child labour and exploitation.
Which comes first, the children or the egg?
Your choice is your voice.
While we enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate, the reality is strikingly different for African children. The Dark Side of Chocolate is a documentary film about the exploitation and slavetrading of African children to harvest chocolate still occurring.
WALK FREE Relaunches as FREEDOM UNITED
Check out the new website with new tools to help us all make a greater impact towards ending modern slavery. FREEDOM UNITED
Watch their mission video below (1:43min)
"to end modern slavery, with a united movement of partners and supporters"
"We are a modern abolitionist movement"
Maarko is an ordinary boy in the Philippines who wants to be a superhero. But the evil that happened to him and his sister exists beyond the imagination. That’s what cybersex trafficking does. (WARNING: this video is confronting)
Great 'End Slavery' Projects
for your club to support - email tony@ragas.online
Cyber Sex Trafficking
PHILLIPINES
Specific opportunity exists for Australian Rotary Clubs to help combat Cybersex Trafficking of Children by partnering with the Rotary Club of Grants Pass, USA and the Rotary Club of Metro Manila, to help fund a Global Grant project in 2017/18.
The Karen people have faced decades of conflict and extreme poverty. many children drop out of school to help provide for their families by working in the fields.cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation are common.
This project endeavours to help build community capacity for child rights protection and empowerment of children in the Northern Karen State.
Project budget (clubs pay upfront) Potential District Grant (varies by district)
NB: Contributions to this project are matched 5:1 by DFAT,
so $1,000 contribution + $5,000 DFAT matching = $6,000 in country.
All contributions welcomed.
Save the Girl Child
INDIA
In the Banchara people group, young girls are raised with the expectation of supporting their families through sex work. However a small number of families are seeking alternative, better lives for their daughters.
This project covers the educational expenses for 40 girls for one year, allowing them to access schooling, at a distance from family/society pressures and dream of a better life. Part of a three year project allowing development of sustainable alternative funding.
Project budget (clubs pay upfront)
Potential District Grant (varies by district)
Effective contribution from club
a link to BBC Radio 4 interview with ‘Anna’ who was held captive and subjected to sadistic sexual and psychological abuse for the next 13 years in the UK
Carol Metzker's update on the amazing Schools 4 Freedom project in India, supported by RAGAS.
