Australia funds trade crackdown

Australia funds trade crackdown

BANGKOK (AFP): Australia has donated AS$5 million toward freeing thousands of women and children trapped in slave-like conditions in Southeast Asia, Australia's embassy in Bangkok said on Sunday.

"Australia will contribute $5 million toward combating the trafficking of women and children in Southeast Asia," it said in a statement.

The money will go toward "helping 900 women and child victims of trafficking return home" and "strengthening the ability of governments and non-governmental organizations to assist victims of trafficking."

"The project will help governments, government agencies and non-government organizations develop the expertise and resources needed to return and reintegrate victims of trafficking," it said.