Region to work together to combat people smuggling

New Zealand is part of discussions aimed at tackling people smuggling at a conference in Indonesia this week.

Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman is attending the fourth Bali Process, which brings together Asia-Pacific countries.

"People smuggling and human trafficking are serious issues throughout the region and the Bali Process is about working together effectively to prevent and deter these dangerous and undesirable activities," Dr Coleman said.

"Attending the Bali Process confirms New Zealand's support and commitment to tackling the irregular movement of people. Our geographical isolation mitigates our exposure to smuggling and trafficking but as a regional partner, the Government is determined to support ways to deter these criminal acts."

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa are chairing the conference, which will focus on strengthening regional plans to effectively combat people smuggling and human trafficking.

New Zealand launched an action plan to prevent human trafficking in 2009 which implemented strategies to prosecute traffickers to the full extent of the law, and meet victims' needs.

- NZPA