Together against human trafficking

09/02/2023

News

“Together against human trafficking, enlarging the space of our tent”
- Sr. Nadia Coppa, asc, the President of the UISG

On 8 February 2023, on the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese nun, who as a child had the traumatic experience of being a victim of human trafficking, the 9th edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking took place.

On this occasion, Talitha Kum organized the Online Pilgrimage of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. The event was followed by about 220 participants from all over the world, both on livestream on YouTube and social media.

In her opening speech, Sr. Patricia Murray, ibvm, the UISG Executive Secretary, reflected on the theme of the Day: ”Journeying in Dignity” in the light of human trafficking calls us three important capacities – firstly to grow in awareness, secondly to encounter those who have been exploited and thirdly to undergo a personal conversion.”

Sr. Abby Avellino, mm, the International Coordinator of Talitha Kum network, said: „As we participate in the prayer to which the Church calls us, let us include everyone, victims and perpetrators, both in need to regain dignity. Pray for the journey from darkness of exploitation and trafficking to the light of human dignity and freedom.”

During the Online Pilgrimage, we had a chance to get to know closer the realities of various organizations who work against Human Trafficking, through testimonies and stories. Among them, also the Talitha Kum networks in Oceania and Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America and North America. In a dedicated block of time, Talitha Kum were leading us in prayer and reflection, sharing the stories, prayers, but also dances and songs of hope for the future, as well as praise for the support received through the Talitha Kum network.

The coordinator of Talitha Kum Africa, sr. Yvonne Bambara, stated: “We are convinced that the human trafficking will come to an end and that we can always do more to prevent it.”

The central block of the event brought the spotlight on the Young Representatives of the organizations collaborating with Talitha Kum on the Day Against Human Trafficking.

It was opened with the video message of Pope Francis, in which he directed the following words to the youth: “I hope that many will accept your invitation to walk together against trafficking: to walk together with those who are destroyed by the violence of sexual and labour exploitation; to walk together with migrants, displaced persons, those who are looking for a place to live in peace and family. Together with you, young people, to reaffirm with courage the value of human dignity.”

In the following hour, all the representatives had a moment to share the examples of their involvement against trafficking, as well as their expertise on the topic.

The block was even more special due to the fact, that, in the conclusion, sr. Abby Avellino announced that the year leading up to the anniversary, 10th edition of the the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, will be dedicated to the young people. She said: ”It is a joy to be here with you and it is amazing to see your energy and enthusiasm you put in the changing of the world.”

The Young Representatives are now in Rome, participating in a series of events and meetings, which will finish with the participation in the Angelus on Sunday, February 12th.

UISG Communications Office