As every July 30, we join the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (United Nations initiative), because "we affirm the dignity and rights of all people and denounce human trafficking and the economic and social systems that promote it." (CCVI Corporate Stance, 2015). This year, the Global Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking through the Care Against Trafficking campaign reminds us that we need to promote an economy of care. The UN stresses that "victims’ voices lead the way." We invite you to join us in prayer this July 30 and visit the websites of both global organizations where you will find a variety of prayer, education, action and advocacy resources.
“Today, we declare that caring is the most powerful force for change, and we unite with survivors to care against trafficking” -Talitha Kum
Many victims of human trafficking have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempts to get help. They have had traumatic post-rescue experiences during identification interviews and legal proceedings. Some have faced revictimization and punishment for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers. Others have been subjected to stigmatization or received inadequate support.
Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centred and effective approach in combating human trafficking.
We are Talitha Kum, a global network of more than three thousand Catholic Sisters and friends, united in our dedication to eradicating human trafficking. Fuelled by the power of our spiritual commitment, we have supported tens of thousands of people to escape the shackles of trafficking and find a path to reconstruct lives of freedom and dignity. And we go one step further on our journey of care: we aim to create long-term, sustainable change to dismantle the systems that enable oppression and exploitation. In order to tackle this global challenge and find systemic solutions, we recognise that we must work with organisations in the private sector, governments, NGOs and civil society.
On World Day Against Trafficking In Persons, we ask our networks and partners to stand together and amplify our efforts to transform the economy of trafficking into an economy of care that empowers everyone, and especially women, to foster safe and thriving communities. Today, we call on all people of good will to come together and tackle the systemic causes of human trafficking. We call on governments to commit to long-term support for survivors, including quality education, work permits, access to justice and compensation, and medical and psychosocial assistance.
More information and resources here: https://www.talithakum.info/en
"Victims’ Voices Lead the Way" – United Nations
This year’s theme puts victims of human trafficking at the centre of the campaign and will highlight the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking. The campaign portrays survivors as key actors in the fight against human trafficking and focusses on the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their road to rehabilitation.
Many victims of human trafficking have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempts to get help. They have had traumatic post-rescue experiences during identification interviews and legal proceedings. Some have faced revictimization and punishment for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers. Others have been subjected to stigmatization or received inadequate support.
Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centred and effective approach in combating human trafficking.
For more information, please visit: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/endht/index.html
