Across the Asia-Pacific, hundreds of thousands of children and young adults are being trafficked into forced labour, online exploitation and large-scale scam operations.

The Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance (AICSA) (the Alliance), a recently established coalition of eight leading international counter-slavery organisations, warns that modern slavery in the region is worsening.

Together with other leading Australian-based NGOs, the Alliance addresses this humanitarian crisis by working directly with affected communities to counter slavery and support survivors. 

Freedom from slavery is not only a fundamental human right but also an urgent moral and social imperative. The Alliance shares a collective conviction to eradicate slavery in the Asia Pacific region by amplifying survivor voices and addressing systemic barriers.

Australia’s Moment to Lead

International funding cuts in 2025 have deepened the crisis. The United States’ withdrawal of more than $500 million from 70 global anti-trafficking programs, has left many Southeast Asian communities without critical resources and support. 

Now is Australia’s opportunity to step forward and demonstrate regional leadership in the fight against modern slavery. 

A Call for Survivor-Led Action

In our 2025-26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, Destiny Rescue, a founding member of the Alliance, calls fon the Australian Government to engage directly with the Alliance to: 

• Establish survivor-inclusive forums; and
• Ensure survivor voice is amplified and integrated into region-wide strategy, policy, and programming. 

By embedding survivor leadership at every level, Australia can position itself as a global leader in survivor-informed counter-slavery efforts.

Additional reading:

• You can read our latest survivor rescues here: 
• You can read more about Destiny Rescue’s Australian Government Advocacy Efforts here:
• You can read more about the Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance (AICSA) here: