Recent revelations have shed light on the disturbing issue of modern slavery within Australia's diplomatic community, particularly in Canberra. Cases of abuse by diplomats have come to the forefront, with one notable incident involving Priyanka Danaratna, who was held captive for three years by Himalee Arunatilaka. During this time, Danaratna was paid less than 65 cents per hour for her labor. Following a court ruling, Arunatilaka has been ordered to pay over US$360,000 in unpaid wages, highlighting the severe exploitation faced by domestic workers. The Sri Lankan government has defended Arunatilaka's actions, raising questions about accountability and the enforcement of labor rights within diplomatic circles. [53f0ccb1]
In another case, Navdeep Suri Singh was fined A$136,000 for underpaying his domestic worker, Seema Shergill. These incidents are part of a broader pattern, as the Australian Federal Police have reported 531 cases of forced marriage since 2018, indicating a systemic issue of exploitation linked to cultural beliefs that normalize such abuses. Advocates are calling for stronger enforcement against modern slavery, particularly in the context of diplomatic immunity, which is often misused as a shield for exploitation. [53f0ccb1]
The Australian government faces increasing pressure to address these abuses and ensure that diplomatic personnel are held accountable for their actions. The ongoing discussions surrounding modern slavery and human rights violations in Australia underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation, particularly in environments where diplomatic immunity can complicate legal recourse. [53f0ccb1]