Expression of Interest form: https://unyouth.wufoo.com/forms/q1j7f7d10ujh8ui/ 

What is the purpose of this engagement?

Modern slavery and forced marriage can make people feel powerless and invisible. But your voice has the power to change that. Sharing your insights—on your terms—can be a powerful step toward change. It can help bring attention to the realities of these issues, inform better policies, and ensure that no one else has to go through what you have experienced. Your perspective is invaluable in shaping the conversation around prevention, justice, support, and systemic change.

Over the next year, I’ll be traveling across Australia, meeting young people from every corner of the country. One of the most critical issues I am seeking to shed light on is modern slavery and forced marriage. These are issues that often remain hidden, yet they impact real lives—especially young people in Australia. I want to ensure that those with lived experience have a platform to be heard in a safe, respectful, and empowering way.

If I say yes, what will it involve? 

There are many ways you can participate, including:

• One-on-One Conversations: We can arrange a private conversation in a space that feels safe and comfortable for you.
• Anonymous Submissions: If you prefer to share your experience without revealing your identity, we have secure ways to collect and amplify your voice.
• Creative Expressions: If you’d rather share through art, poetry, music, or any other form, we welcome that too. Your story doesn’t have to be told in words alone.
• Community-Led Discussions: We are also working with trusted community groups and organisations to facilitate discussions in a way that respects cultural and personal sensitivities.

We will protect your privacy at every stage, and we are committed to engaging with you in a safe, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive way. We will not make visual or audio recordings, or take any photographs of you. We will take written notes of what you share, but no one will be able to identify you in this document. All data will be stored securely according to UN Youth’s data management requirements.

The insights and experiences you share with me will inform my address to the United Nations General Assembly later in 2025, as well as my report which will be shared with government, leaders from business and civil society. This is an opportunity to ensure that world leaders hear firsthand about the realities of modern slavery and forced marriage in Australia. Your voice will contribute to real, meaningful change—both nationally and globally. Your privacy will be protected and no one will be able to identify you through my presentation at the United Nations or my final report.

Creating a safe and supportive space

We know that talking about these experiences can be difficult. That’s why we are committed to making sure these conversations happen in a way that feels safe, supportive, and on your terms. You can share as much or as little as you want, and you will always have control over how your story is used. If you prefer, you can share your story anonymously, and you can stop or change your mind at any time. We will also have resources available to provide support before, during, and after you choose to speak.

If at any time you feel anxious or distressed, you may take a break, stop participating or withdraw at any time. Please tell us if you are feeling anxious or prefer not to speak about certain topics.

What will happen if I say no or change my mind? 

Your participation is completely voluntary – it is up to you whether or not you decide to take part, and how you would like to take part.

You are free to change your mind and withdraw at any point. There will be no negative consequences for you if you do decide to withdraw.

Confidentiality

By submitting the Expression of Interest form, you consent to UN Youth Australia collecting and using the personal information provided by you for the purposes of this engagement.

Any personal information you provide will be treated confidentially and will not be shared with third parties other than required by law. If you tell us that you are being harmed, or at serious risk of harm, we may discuss it with the appropriate individuals who can help you. This may happen regardless of your age (whether you are under or over the age of 18).

What if I have questions or concerns about my participation? 

If you have any questions or concerns about your participation that we can help you with, please feel free to contact youthrep@unyouth.org.au.

Expression of Interest form: https://unyouth.wufoo.com/forms/q1j7f7d10ujh8ui/