World Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking

Alongside each person we weave networks of Good

2 TO 8 FEBRUARY: A WEEK OF PRAYER AND MOBILISATION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE

Human trafficking is the process by which people are coerced or lured by false prospects, recruted, transferred and forced to work and live in exploitative or abusive conditions. It is a phenomenon, as recent UN reports warn, that is constantly and dramatically evolving.

This year, 50 young people are expected in Rome, including students, volunteers, researchers, creatives, communicators, anti-trafficking activists and practitioners, and representatives of the day’s international partner networks.

“Walk for Dignity. Listening. Dream. Take Action“: this is the theme of the tenth World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Trafficking in Persons on 8 February, established in 2015 at the behest of Pope Francis on the feast of Saint Bakhita, the Sudanese nun who was a victim of trafficking and a universal symbol of the Church’s commitment against this scourge.

May St Josephine Bakhita intercede for us, so that we may courageously continue to serve our sisters and brothers as we walk together in prayer and action to defeat human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.(Image:www.paolinestore.it)

WE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO UISG A:

LISTEN

 “For I know the plans I have made concerning you,” says the Lord, “plans of peace and not of misfortune, to grant you a future full of hope.” (Jer 29:11)

Listen to the truth spoken by Pope Francis: “I launch an urgent appeal to all men and women of good will, and to all those who, from near or far, even at the highest levels of institutions, are witnesses to the scourge of contemporary slavery, not to become accomplices to this evil, not to turn their eyes away from the suffering of their brothers and sisters in humanity, deprived of freedom and dignity.”

Photo: www.diocesicuneofossano.it

Listening to suffering:

Global Suffering: Human Trafficking is a manifestation of extreme inequality, permeating every aspect of our society and our world. It weaves its way into our clothes, lights up our electronic devices and seasons our food. It disproportionately affects those living in poverty and other factors of vulnerability, especially women and girls.

Migrant suffering: In 2023, our world witnessed the immense suffering of populations due to an increasing number of conflicts and wars, violence, crime, the erosion of women’s rights and the economic and social impact of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the journey, migrants suffer physical or sexual abuse, despair and hopelessness. Too often they reach a destination only to suffer further under the oppression of employers or the constant fear of arrest and deportation.

Climate change: It has exacerbated human trafficking, forcing millions to migrate. High-risk areas for forced labour include mining, logging and the production of textiles and garments.

DREAM

“If thou shalt pass through the waters, I will be with thee, the rivers shall not overflow thee; if thou shalt pass through the midst of the fire, thou shalt not be scorched, the flame shall not be able to burn thee; for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” (Is. 43:2-3a)

Dreaming with Pope Francis’ vision: We are all pilgrims on this earth. We must not be afraid to “dream as one humanity, as wayfarers made of the same human flesh, as children of this same earth that hosts us all, each with the richness of his faith or convictions, each with his own voice, all brothers!” (Pope Francis FT, 8).

Dreaming with young people: let us spread the light of dignity with hope and joy by raising awareness about trafficking in persons.

ACT

Act with courage: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is the one who walks with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6)

The globalisation of indifference, which weighs heavily on the lives of so many sisters and brothers today, calls on all of us to become creators of a globalisation of solidarity and fraternity.

Responsible behaviour, responsible solutions, responsible leadership and responsible agents are needed.

The trafficking of people, ‘engaged’ in forced labour, prostitution, organ trafficking is a crime of ‘lese humanity’.

 PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH BAKHITA