Why survivor voices matter more than ever

Modern slavery is not confined by borders. It is deeply embedded in global supply chains, systems, and vulnerabilities.

Across the Asia-Pacific, hundreds of thousands of children and young adults are trafficked into forced labour, online exploitation, and large-scale scam operations. In response, Destiny Rescue continues to expand our work across the region, guided by a safety-led, survivor-centred approach.

Collaboration is critical. Destiny Rescue is a founding member of the Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance (AICSA) (the Alliance), a coalition working together to address systemic barriers and amplify survivor voices.

A call for survivor-led action

In our 2025–26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, Destiny Rescue called on the Australian Government to engage more deeply with the Alliance. By aligning national strategy with survivor-led, regionally informed action, Australia has a real opportunity to lead globally.

That ambition is reflected in the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s 2025 strategy, Building Australia’s Ambition and Impact: Strengthening the response to modern slavery. The strategy strongly aligns with the Alliance’s advocacy, particularly in its emphasis on placing survivors at the centre of policy and practice.

This marks an important shift. Effective responses must be shaped by people with lived experience. Survivors hold critical insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what must change.

Looking ahead
The Commissioner’s strategy signals ambition. The Alliance’s advocacy adds urgency.

Embedding survivor perspectives is the most effective way to create lasting change. Together, these efforts point toward a future where responses to modern slavery are stronger, more coordinated, and led by those who have lived through it.

Additional reading
You can read more about (AICSA) here
You can read Destiny Rescue’s latest survivor rescues here
You can read more about Destiny Rescue’s Australian Government Advocacy Efforts here