Report from the Continental Seminar Against Human Trafficking in Bogota, CO

Over 100 people – women and men, religious and lay – from 20 countries throughout the Americas and Caribbean gathered in Bogota, Colombia August 18-20, 2017 for an international seminar on human trafficking sponsored by CLAR (the Latin American Conference for Religious).  The various networks of women religious working against human trafficking in these countries were present including USCatholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking, Red RAMA, Red KAWSAY, RAHAMIM, UnGrito Pela Vida, and TAMAR. 

    

Lead Organizers of the Continental Seminar Against
Human Trafficking

The theme for the seminar, “salgamos a prisa al encuentro de la vida” (let us go out with haste to encounter life), came from the scripture passage of the Visitation: Mary going out and encountering Elizabeth.  On the opening morning we reflected on where there is an urgent need for us to quickly go out and respond, and who do we encounter?  Responses included feeling a call to the margins, to go to the borders and respond to migrants and the most vulnerable, women and children, to go beyond our own congregations and reach out to more laity and other faith groups, and also to go back to our own congregations to educate, encourage, and inspire them to join us in this important work to end human trafficking.  

Representatives from the United States including
Jennifer Reyes Lay representing USCSAHT

The three day seminar was broken down into the see-judge-act paradigm, focusing on one each day.  The first day included an educational presentation about human trafficking in general by Dr. Norma Castillo, and included sharing the current reality of trafficking within the various countries represented.  Then there was a presentation focused specifically on migration and its connection to human trafficking.  Participants learned about how forced migration due to a number of different factors including poverty, political repression or instability, and violence create vulnerable populations for human trafficking.  The work to end human trafficking is intricately connected to the work for immigration reform and just international economic policies.  In groups we reflected on Pope Francis’ call to gather, protect, promote, and integrate migrants and refugees in our communities.  How are we already doing this and how/where can we do better? 

Towards the end of the first day we heard a powerful testimony from a survivor of human trafficking who was a former professional soccer player.  This was eye opening as the professional sports world isn’t often thought about as being complicit in networks of human trafficking, but the lure of being able to go to a different country and play professional soccer actually traps a number of people every year into situations of trafficking, particularly as exploited labor.  He shared about the difficulty of victims to receive justice because of the heavy burden on them to prove they were exploited.  This leads into a vicious cycle of victim blaming and re-traumatization, and in many cases even violent threats from those who the charges are brought against.  Unfortunately his traffickers were never prosecuted, but this young man is now an active advocate, raising awareness so other young boys and men don’t fall victim to this same trap like he did.   

Group leaders report back on discussions from small groups

Day two included a focus on children as well as some deeper theological reflection on the themes covered and general work to end human trafficking.  The presentation on children and human trafficking was given by Dr. Nelson Rivera from the organization Renacer (Reborn), which is a partner with ECPAT, working to end child sex and labor trafficking.  He shared how trying to document child victims of trafficking is very difficult and there are different understandings as to what constitutes trafficking or exploitation of children, especially in the area of labor.  Small groups reflected on what child sex and labor trafficking looks like in each country and what are the challenges in addressing this crime against children.  Many countries throughout Latin America shared that both the culture and the complicity of police and government officials make it very difficult to denounce human trafficking, prevent it, and penalize those responsible. 

Fr. Guillermo Campuzano led the theological reflection, and for many participants it was one of the highlights of the seminar.  He beautifully wove together the themes of human trafficking, migration, and child exploitation with theological reflections inspired by biblical passages and the words of Pope Francis.  Bringing in the themes of this urgent call out into the world, he said that it is through the cries of the victims of human trafficking that God has been and continues to call us.  The direction we need to go is toward those cries.  While there are many different charisms throughout the various religious orders, all charisms connect to this work to end human trafficking because human trafficking is connected to all parts of society (schools, hospitals, social services, churches, families, etc.).  He offered a challenge to those gathered to recover the prophetic nature of their charism. 

Fr. Guillermo celebrating the Eucharist

The day ended with an incredible liturgy led by Fr. Guillermo that was truly the work of the people.  Everyone sat in a circle around a map on the floor of the Americas and Caribbean.  At different parts throughout the liturgy, everyone was invited to participate in constructing the map before us, from placing the dirt on the ground, to lighting and placing a candle in each country present, to sharing the fruits of the earth as fruits of our labor in this work together.  It was a powerful visual representation of an integral ecology that connects not only us humans gathered, but the whole of creation throughout the Americas recognizing that God’s loving and creative presence flows through it all and sustains us in the work we are called to do in the world.  Fr. Guillermo presided over the Eucharist on the ground, on top of the soil, offering a powerful visual of a God who became incarnate, taking on the earthly material substance of creation and unifying God to that creation forever more.  We are all the Body of Christ, broken and blessed and shared with the world. 

The third and final day of the Seminar was about moving towards action together.  Participants learned about Talitha Kum, the international network of the Vatican against human trafficking, and their vision to encourage networks of religious life against trafficking in every country.  There was space to learn about the various networks currently present working to end human trafficking, and then we split off into regions to do more specific work to collaborate across borders with those closest to us. 

USCSAHT met with Mexico (RAHAMIM) and Central America (Red RAMA and other countries) to reflect on how we can build stronger networks between the countries, share resources, and improve communications in our joint work to end human trafficking and support survivors.  One of the challenges discussed was effective communication and sharing of resources across borders.  Many people from Central America are traveling through Mexico with a destination of the U.S. or Canada, but the networks in Central America don’t know the resources to share in the other countries for those who might need them.  For example, once a Salvadoran reaches Mexico, who can they call if they need help or where are the safe houses along the way?  Who can help them contact their family to let them know they are ok?  And the same for once they cross into the U.S.  Where are the places and who are the people they could reach out to for help?  

Because of this conversation one of the goals set forth by the region was to develop a directory of contacts and resources across the countries to be able to use and share as needed to support any potential or current victims of trafficking.  One way that USCSAHT can help with this is to translate more of their information and resources into Spanish, since many victims of both sex and labor trafficking are Spanish speaking from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.  There was also a need expressed to form networks against trafficking in the countries that do not currently have one, and strengthen the networks that are new and still in formation.  All those present affirmed the value of having a cross-continental meeting like this one, and would like to see future opportunities for collaboration and relationship building continue. 

I think it is safe to safe that everyone left the Seminar with a renewed energy and sense of hope in this work, because while it is heartbreaking to see the realities and impacts of human trafficking in our world it is also inspiring to join with one another across countries, cultures, and languages and know that we are not doing this work alone.  We are stronger together.  Rooted in our faith in a God who is incarnate Love and Compassion, we can respond to our call to go out into the world and experience transformative encounter in this work to end human trafficking. 

Written by Jennifer Reyes Lay, Assistant Director of the JPIC Office for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and liaison to USCSAHT who attended the Continental Seminar.  

(Read the final report from the Seminar in English HERE) 

How the National Hotline Can Help Victims of Sex Trafficking from Latin America

Maria’s daughter was 16 years old when she was recruited by a dangerous pimp.

After trying, unsuccessfully, to bring her daughter home several times, Maria was running out of options. Originally from Mexico, lacking legal status, and having only lived in the U.S. for a short time, she didn’t know where to turn.

Then, one of her friends told her about the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888). Thinking she had nothing to lose, she gave it a try.

When Maria first spoke with a Hotline advocate named Jenny, she was afraid. But Jenny assured her that the Hotline is a confidential, non-governmental organization, so Maria felt she could trust her with her story.

Jenny explained how the Hotline works with trusted law enforcement officials who are trained to respond to human trafficking and always put the needs of victims first. Understanding the grave danger her daughter was in, Maria agreed to cooperate with them.

With Maria’s help, the officials brought her daughter home safely.

Maria’s daughter is one of over 4,300 potential victims of sex trafficking with a connection to Mexico or Central America reported to the Hotline since 2007.

Stories like hers show how ruthless criminal networks or individuals operating on both sides of the border target vulnerable young women and girls from Mexico or Latino communities in the U.S., and exploit them for profit.

Traffickers deceive and entice victims through false promises of love, good jobs, or safe passage to the U.S. Often lacking legal documents, money, and English fluency, these women and girls are trapped – controlled by their traffickers through debt bondage, physical violence, and other brutal types of abuse.

Over the past six months, National Hotline staff have worked closely with Polaris’s Mexico team to identify common challenges victims of this form of trafficking often face. By training our National Hotline advocates to recognize the signs of this network, we’re ensuring the Hotline is better able to identify needs, service gaps, and solutions for callers.

In January, bilingual Hotline advocates received supplemental training to learn more about the context of this issue and discuss resources that could empower them to more effectively help this population overcome frequent barriers to services and assistance. As one result of this training, the Hotline and Polaris strategic initiative teams developed a glossary of slang frequently used within this network so advocates can better understand victims’ stories and mirror the language they and their loved ones use to describe their situations.

Another challenge the Hotline identified is the very real threat of harm many victims face  – to themselves or to their family members, whether they’re in the U.S. or in their home countries. Advocates are now more prepared to help these callers create a safety plan, and can also connect them to our partner Hotline in Mexico, operated by Consejo Ciudadano (01-800-5533-000).

As we saw  in Maria’s story, callers about these cases are often afraid to interact with law enforcement. They may have concerns about immigration, as well as perceptions of corruption carried over from their countries of origin. The trained law enforcement and social service providers we partner with understand these fears and know that, too often, traffickers may use a person’s immigration status as a means of control.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act guarantees every victim of human trafficking the right to seek justice and assistance, without regard to their status in this country. In upholding this law, the Polaris-operated Hotline is a resource that will confidentially assist any caller in need.

Article from the Polaris Project

Social Justice: A Right

What common characteristic identifies the Latin American countries? It is undoubtedly inequality.
Inequality in the economic, social, and cultural spheres, results in a loss of human dignity and fundamental human rights inhabitants.  And has an even greater impact on indigenous minorities.

Inequality is not unique to Latin America but also exists in many other countries, particularly in the so-called "Third World".  And in recent times, millions of people in developed countries as well also suffer from discrimination and all kinds of abuse because of their status as migrants, refugees or undocumented persons. The world suffers from social injustice. For this reason, for the past 10 years we have commemorated the World Day of Social Justice on February 20th, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations. 

Equal opportunity and the observance of human rights are fundamental elements of social justice. And its basis lies in the equity that is essential for individuals to develop their full potential and to establish lasting peace. There is no peace without social justice.

Talking about social justice means "a respect for the human person, equality, the differences between people, and above all, human solidarity. Social justice is linked to the common good and the exercise of authority," says the Catholic Catechism (no. 1928 and 1929 to 1948).

At present we live in a world characterized by the unfair distribution of wealth, which is in the hands of a minority, generating a scandalous exclusion. It is urgent to share in our communal spaces and work, testimonies consistent with our faith which help eradicate poverty and inequality. We must work in a variety of ways against the corruption that generates increasing marginalization and greater poverty.

States should establish public policies related to decent employment, quality education, housing and, given the current context of the scourge of corruption we are experiencing, punishment of those responsible for corruption, which include political and business leaders from different Latin American countries. A peaceful and prosperous coexistence must necessarily meet these demands, which various social groups are calling for.

"Justice is that in which the heart rejoices: when there is enough for everyone, when one sees that there is equality, equity, when each has their own. When one sees that there is enough for all they feel a great happiness in their heart," Pope Francis told us in his visit to Ecuador. Amen

Victor Mendoza Barrantes (Director of the Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of Chimbote, Peru, and member of the CCVI International JPIC Committee).  

“Close Guantánamo”: Organizations in the Region Demand an End to Impunity

In a joint statement, 59 organizations from 15 countries in the Americas demanded once again the immediate closure of the Guantánamo detention center. Exactly seven years ago, on January 22, 2009, US President Barack Obama signed an executive order to close Guantánamo that was never carried out. Today there are still 91 prisoners being held there. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights andUnited Nations experts have urged the government of the United States to effectuate this decision.

It is imperative that this measure finally be implemented and that truth, justice and reparation be ensured for the crimes committed by the United States in the name of fighting terrorism.

 

Civil Society Organizations from the Americas Urge the Closure
of Guantánamo on its 14th Anniversary 

 

On January 11, 2002, in the wave of counter-terrorism measures put in place by the United States government after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, former US President George W. Bush opened the prison of Guantánamo, located at the US naval base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Fourteen years later, the detention center remains open and lingers as a global symbol of lawlessness and injustice. Guantánamo is an aberration and a false solution to the terrorist threat. It is impossible for anyone to claim unawareness of the abuses committed against men once or still imprisoned there: from torture to indefinite detention.

We welcome President Obama’s renewed commitment to close Guantánamo. But this promise is not new. It was first made when he ran for president in 2008 and again once he took office in 2009. Now, he has just one year left in his mandate to finally close Guantánamo.

In the last 14 years, almost 780 men and even boys were held in Guantánamo – all Muslim. Today, there are still 91 prisoners. In a recent report, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has described the abuses (including torture and ill-treatment, indefinite detention, limited or no access to judicial protection, and trial absent basic elements of due process) endured by these men in Guantánamo for almost a decade and a half. The Commission urged the US government to fulfill its international human rights commitments by closing Guantánamo, appropriately prosecuting those responsible for human rights violations, and ensuring effective redress for victims. The IACHR reemphasized that continued and indefinite detention of individuals in Guantánamo without guaranteeing the right to due process is arbitrary
and constitutes a clear violation of international law.

Guantánamo is an example of unlawful actions, impunity, lack of due process and infringement of the right to truth, justice and redress. Its continued existence sends the dangerous message that there will be no consequences for future abuses.

Therefore, we urge the US government to shut down Guantánamo immediately and to: 1) ensure a timely and meaningful Periodic Review Board process for all detainees whose status is still pending; 2) shut down the unfair military commission system, by transferring pending cases to federal courts and opposing any efforts to broaden unlawful indefinite detention beyond Guantánamo Bay; 3) transfer and resettle without delay all detainees cleared for release* in a manner consistent with international law obligations. The US government must also guarantee an effective and independent criminal investigation and full accountability in all cases of torture and other ill-treatment against men who have been held in Guantánamo.

Latin America’s experiences with seeking truth and justice for crimes against humanity involving arbitrary detention, torture and other rights abuses should compel it to take action. The governments of the region must urge the US administration to close down Guantánamo. They can also contribute to resolving this human rights and humanitarian crisis by supporting a regional effort to receive Guantánamo’s detainees, responding to the call made by the IACHR in its latest report on closing Guantánamo. For years, rights groups have been calling for the closure of Guantánamo and it is high time this happened, as part of the much-needed process of accountability, truth and redress for the crimes committed by the United States in the name of fighting terrorism.
* As of January 18 2016, there are at least 34 men, almost all Yemenis, in this category. 

Endorsements
1. Abogadas y Abogados para la Justicia y los Derechos Humanos (Mexico)
2. Ação Educativa (Brazil)
3. Acción Solidaria en VIH/Sida (Venezuela)
4. Asociación Civil Fuerza, Unión, Justicia, Solidaridad y Paz (Venezuela)
5. Asociación MINGA (Colombia)
6. Asociación para la Prevención de la Tortura – APT (International)
7. Asociacion Pro Derechos Humanos - APRODEH (Peru)
8. Asociadas por lo Justo - JASS (Mexico)
9. Associação Brasileira de Defesa da Mulher da Infância e da Juventude - ASBRAD (Brazil)
10. Associação Nacional dos Centros de Defesa da Criança e Adolescente - ANCED (Brazil)
11. Capacitación social de Panamá (Panama)
12. Center for Constitutional Rights (USA)
13. Centro de Defesa da Criança e dx Adolescente Maria dos Anjos - CDCA/RO (Brazil)
14. Centro de Documentación en Derechos Humanos “Segundo Montes Mozo S.J.” (Ecuador)
15. Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (Argentina)
16. Centro de Justicia y Paz – Cepaz (Venezuela)
17. Centro para la Paz y los DDHH de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (Venezuela)
18. Centro Paranaense de Cidadania – CEPAC (Brazil)
19. Civilis Derechos Humanos (Venezuela)
20. Coalición de organizaciones por los derechos a la salud y la vida (Venezuela)
21. Conectas Direitos Humanos (Brazil)
22. Convite (Venezuela)
23. Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación de la Compañía de Jesús (Honduras)
24. Espacio Público (Venezuela)
25. Espaço Paranaese da Diverside LGBT (Brazil)
26. Foro Universitário do Mercosul (International)
27. Frente Ecuatoriano de Derechos Humanos (Ecuador)
28. Fundación Ensayos para el Aprendizaje Permanente – FEPAP (Venezuela)
29. Gabinete de Assessoria Jurídica as Organizações Populares – GAJOP (Brazil)
30. Geledés Instituto da Mulher Negra (Brazil)
31. Grupo de Estudos e Trabalho Mulheres Encarceradas (Brazil)
32. Grupo de Mulheres de San Cristóbal de las Casas (Mexico)
33. Grupo Dignidade (Brazil)
34. Instituto Brasileiro de Análises Sociais e Econômicas – Ibase (Brazil)
35. Instituto Brasileiro de Diversidade Sexual – IBDSEX (Brazil)
36. Instituto de Defensa Legal - IDL (Peru)
37. Instituto de Defensores de Direitos Humanos – DDH (Brazil)
38. Instituto de Estudios Legales y Sociales del Uruguay – IELSUR (Uruguay)
39. International Federation for Human Rights – FIDH (International)
40. International Justice Network (USA)
41. International-Lawyers.Org (International)
42. La Comisión Ecuménica de Derechos Humanos (Ecuador)
43. Laboratorio de Paz – LabPaz (Venezuela)
44. Latin America Working Group (USA)
45. Ligue des droits et libertés (Canada)
46. Movimiento Autónomo de Mujeres (Nicaragua)
47. Núcleo Especializado de Situação Carcerária da Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo (Brazil)
48. Observatorio de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad de Los Andes (Venezuela)
49. Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones (Venezuela)
50. Pastoral Carcerária do Estado de São Paulo – CNBB (Brazil)
51. Plataforma Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, Democracia y Desarrollo (Ecuador)
52. Provea (Venezuela)
53. Rede Gay Latino (International)
54. SomosGay (Paraguay)
55. Terra Mater (Ecuador)

56. Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala (Guatemala)

57. US Human Rights Network (USA)
58. Venezuela Diversa (Venezuela)
59. Washington Office on Latin America (USA)

Ronda Latinoamericana - Situación de Paraguay

Compartimos con ustedes  el contexto actual de Paraguay. Un trabajo realizado por la Asociación Latinoamericana de Educación Radiofónica presenta desde Quito, Ecuador. Este programa de noticias y análisis se realiza con la participación de radios socias presentes en diferentes países del continente y del Caribe. Si no observas el cuadro de Reproducción, haz Click aquí

In memoriam: José Comblin (1923-2011)

Gracias a Victor Mendoza por mandar este atículo escrito por Jon Sobrino, S.J.

"Ha fallecido, con la pluma en la mano, y los pies visitando comunidades."

José Comblin nació em Bruselas em 1923. Em 1958 vino como sacerdote a América Latina. Ha estado sobre todo em Brasil y Chile, y de ambos lugares fue expulsado por las dictaduras. Ha acompañado a muchas comunidades y ha sido asesor cercano de don Hélder Câmara, y de varios obispos del pueblo. Ha escrito innumerables libros y artículos, y pronunciado muchas conferencias hasta el final de su vida de 88 años.  LEER MÁS.