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06/03/2025Launch of New Call to Action Against Human Trafficking on INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8 and during this Jubilee Year, the Ambassadors of Hope from the global network advocating for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking are launching a new Call to Action to combat the global crisis of human trafficking.
"We have chosen this significant day to launch our commitment to combat human trafficking, driven by the alarming fact that “70% of the victims of trafficking are women and girls,” according to United Nations data. We therefore stand in solidarity with the global #AccelerateAction campaign for Women's Day, focusing on the theme of the year to spotlight this global issue that requires collective and immediate action. Through this Call to Action, we renew our commitment together with young ambassadors against trafficking by amplifying the voices that matter most—the voices of victims, survivors, migrants and refugees, and young people— who are at the forefront in the fight against this crime and all forms of discrimination and injustice," said Sister Abby Avelino, coordinator of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking and the sister-led Talitha Kum International anti-trafficking network.
The Call to Action was drafted by an international group of young advocates, survivors, and experts on February 8, at the conclusion of the 11th edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, an initiative established by Pope Francis in 2015.
This appeal of commitment invites young people worldwide and encouraging them to join the campaign calls on governments, institutions, and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds to take action in the fight against human trafficking. It encourages all people of goodwill to unite and make a tangible impact in ending this heinous crime.
The Call to Action follows below.
CONTACT FOR THE PRESS
Alessandra Tarquini - +39 347 9117177 feb8@talithakum.info www.prayagainsttrafficking.net | www.preghieracontrotratta.org
CALL TO ACTION FROM AND TO AMBASSADORS OF HOPE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
February 8, 2025
We are a group of young people from different continents, committed to ending human trafficking, representing the partner organizations of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT). We gathered in Rome from the 1st to the 8th of February 2025 to continue journeying together, as Ambassadors of Hope, following the invitation to the XI International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT). During the week we learned from one another and shared best practices to enhance our strategies and contextual work in light of the reality of human trafficking in our respective contexts.
“Human trafficking is the process by which people are coerced or lured by false prospects, recruited, relocated, and forced to work and live in exploitative or abusive conditions.” Human Trafficking is a form of slavery, that is often invisible in our society. People in situations of vulnerability are at great risk of being trafficked. Human trafficking strips people of their dignity and autonomy, inalienable rights, whereas they are deceived and commodified.
We encounter and challenge strongly the continued systemic normalization and reproduction with lack of awareness and impunity for this crime against humanity on a global level. For this reason, we continue and reinforce our commitment within the international network of the IDPAAHT, to the fight against this crime, specifically by raising awareness, centering those vulnerable who are the main targets of traffickers across the world.
Together, building on the encounter with experts, women with lived experience and along with the blessing from Pope Francis for our work, we amplify and strengthen our commitment to:
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Pray and care for those affected by human trafficking and those accompanying them;
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Develop and Implement strategies for the rehabilitation, reintegration, inclusion, and long-term healing of survivors, wounded healers and individuals affected by human trafficking, informed by their lived experiences;
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Educate ourselves and others about the root causes, methods and consequences of human trafficking, by promoting creative and holistic approaches, such as utilizing media platforms;
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Collaborate by creating physical and digital spaces to share information, practices, provide updates, and connect stakeholders for ongoing support.
We call young people around the world to continue being Ambassadors of Hope, educating, advocating and standing in solidarity with survivors. Walk and continue to journey - together with us - for Hope, in this 2025 Jubilee year. We call all people of good will, partners and other organizations to support our commitment in guarding the light of human dignity.
The text in 4 languages (English, Italian, French, Spanish) is available at www.prayagainsttrafficking.net
THE NETWORK
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking is coordinated by Talitha Kum International, promoted by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and the Union of Superiors General (USG), in collaboration with Partner Organisations: tThe Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Dicastery for Communication, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, Caritas Internationalis, CoatNet, the Focolare Movement, the Jesuit Refugee Service, the International Union of Catholic Women's Associations (WUCWO), JPIC- Anti-Trafficking Working Group (UISG/USG), The Clewer Initiative, the Community Association Pope John XXIII, the International Federation of Catholic Action, the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts Association (AGESCI), the Santa Marta Group, Sant'Egidio, USMI and many other organizations worldwide.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking was established by Pope Francis in 2015 to raise global awareness of the realities of human trafficking and promote collective action. This initiative is promoted by the UISG and USG, and entrusted the coordination to Talitha Kum International, a sister-led network committed to combating human trafficking worldwide.
Dear sisters and brothers,
I am pleased to meet you and to join you in your daily commitment to put an end to human trafficking. In particular, I thank Talitha Kum for your service. Thank you! We are meeting on the eve of the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who was a victim of this terrible social scourge. Her story gives us strength and shows us that with the Lord’s grace, it is possible for those who suffered injustice and violence to shatter their chains, to go free and to become messengers of hope to others in difficult situations.
Human trafficking is a global phenomenon that claims millions of victims and continues unabated. It continually finds new ways to infiltrate our societies the world over.
In the face of this tragedy, we must not remain indifferent. Like yourselves, we need to unite our forces and our voices, calling upon everyone to accept responsibility for combating this form of crime that profits from the most vulnerable.
We must not tolerate the shameful exploitation of so many of our sisters and brothers. Trafficking in human bodies, the sexual exploitation even of small children and forced labour are a disgrace and a very serious violation of fundamental human rights.
I know that you are an international group, and some of you have travelled very far for this week of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. Thank you! In a special way, I would express my appreciation to the youth ambassadors, who with creativity and
vitality continue to find new ways of raising awareness of, and providing information about, the evil of human trafficking.
I encourage all organizations and individuals in this network to continue to work together, making victims and survivors your primary concern, listening to their stories, caring for their wounds and enabling them to make their voices heard in society at large.
That is what it means to be ambassadors of hope, and it is my hope that during this Jubilee Year many others will follow your example.
I bless you and accompany you in my prayers. And I ask you, please, to pray for me. Thank you!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
It is with joy that I join you on the 11th International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. This event falls on the liturgical commemoration of St Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman and nun, who was a victim of trafficking as a child and has become a symbol of our commitment against this terrible phenomenon. In this jubilee year, let us also walk together, as 'pilgrims of hope', on the road against trafficking.
But how is it possible to continue to nourish hope in front of the millions of people, especially women and children, young people, migrants and refugees, trapped in this modern slavery? Where do we get new impetus to combat the trade in human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of children and girls, forced labour, including prostitution, drug and arms trafficking? How do we experience all this in the world and not lose hope? It is only by lifting our eyes to Christ, our hope, that we can find the strength for a renewed commitment that does not allow itself to be overcome by the dimension of problems and dramas, but in the darkness strives to light flames of light, which together can illuminate the night until the dawn breaks.
The young people around the world who are fighting against trafficking offer us an example: they tell us that we must become ambassadors of hope and act together, with tenacity and love; that we must stand by the victims and survivors. With the help of God, we can avoid becoming accustomed to injustice and ward off the temptation to think that certain phenomena cannot be eradicated. The Spirit of the Risen Lord sustains us in promoting, with courage and effectiveness, targeted initiatives to weaken and oppose the economic and criminal mechanisms that profit from trafficking and exploitation. He teaches us first of all to listen, with closeness and compassion, to the people who have experienced trafficking, to help them get back on their feet and together with them to identify the best ways to free others and to do prevention. Trafficking is a complex, constantly evolving phenomenon, and is fuelled by wars, conflicts, famine and the consequences of climate change. It therefore requires global responses and a common effort, at all levels, to tackle it.
I therefore invite all of you, especially representatives of governments and organisations that share this commitment, to join us, animated by prayer, to promote initiatives in defence of human dignity, for the elimination of human trafficking in all its forms and for the promotion of peace in the world. Together - trusting in the intercession of St Bakhita - we can make a great effort and create the conditions for trafficking and exploitation to be banned and for respect for fundamental human rights to prevail, in fraternal recognition of common humanity. Sisters and brothers, I thank you for your courage and tenacity in carrying out this work, involving so many people of good will. Go forth with hope in the Lord, who walks with you! I bless you from my heart. I pray for you, and you pray for me.
Vatican, February 4, 2025 FRANCIS
JOIN THE MOBILISATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Organizers invite everyone to share a post on February 7 and 8 using the official hashtags:
#PrayAgainstTrafficking #iubilaeum2025
The text of the Vigil of Prayer 2025 is online in different languages: download it and share it with your community.
Official Hashtag: #PrayAgainstTrafficking
08/02/2024
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Tenth World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking
8 February 2024
Journeying in Dignity: Listen, Dream, Act
Dear sisters and dear brothers!
Today, the liturgical Memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, we celebrate the tenth World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. I associate myself wholeheartedly with all of you around the world, especially the young, who are working to combat this global scourge.
Together let us walk in the footsteps of Saint Bakhita, the religious Sister from Sudan, who as a child was sold into slavery and was a victim of traffickers. Let us remember the wrong she endured, her suffering but at the same time her strength and her journey of liberation and rebirth to a new life. Saint Bakhita encourages us to open our eyes and ears to see those who go unseen and to hear those who have no voice, to acknowledge the dignity of each person and to fight trafficking and all forms of exploitation.
Trafficking, in fact, often goes unseen. The media, thanks also to courageous reporters, have brought to light modern forms of slavery, but the culture of indifference tends to desensitize us. Let us help one another to be more responsive, to open our lives and hearts to our sisters and brothers who even now are being bought and sold as slaves. It is never too late to take action.
Thank God, many young people have taken up the challenge of this World Day against trafficking. Their enthusiasm and commitment show us the way: they remind us that we are called to listen, dream and act in order to counter trafficking.
First, it is essential to listen to those who are suffering. I think of the victims of wars and conflicts, those affected by climate change, those forced to migrate, and those, especially women and children, who are exploited sexually or in the workplace. May we listen to their cry for help and feel challenged by the stories they tell. Together with the victims and the young, let us once more dream of a world where all people can live with freedom and dignity.
Then, sisters and brothers, by the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, let us make this dream a reality by taking concrete actions to combat trafficking. Let us pray fervently and work proactively for this cause, the defence of human dignity, whether by prayer and action as individuals and families, or as parish and religious communities, as ecclesial associations and movements, and also in the various spheres of social and political life.
We know that the fight against trafficking can be won, but it is necessary to get to the root of the problem and eliminate its causes. I encourage you, then, to respond to this appeal for transformation, in memory of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who stands for all those men and women who, despite their enslavement, can still attain freedom. It is a call to take action, to mobilize all our resources in combatting trafficking and restoring full dignity to those who have been its victims. If we close our eyes and ears, if we do nothing, we will be guilty of complicity.
From my heart, I express my gratitude to everyone engaged in the celebration of this Day, and I bless all those who are committed to combatting trafficking and all forms of exploitation in order to build a world of fraternity and peace.
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 8 February 2024
Memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita.
FRANCIS
04/02/2024I greet the young people of many countries who have come for the World Day for Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, which will be celebrated on 8 February, memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the Sudanese religious sister who was enslaved as a child. Today too, many brothers and sisters are deceived with false promises and are then subjected to exploitation and abuse. Let us all join to counter the dramatic global phenomenon of human trafficking.
Pope Francis - Angelus - feb 4, 2024
01/01/2024
Follow the live streaming of the marathon on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXdH9wlf2xc
01/01/2024The text of the Vigil of Prayer for February 8th, 2024 is online in different languages: download it and share it with your community.
Official Hashtag: #PrayAgainstTrafficking
01/01/2024Download the concept note and the theme 2024.
02/01/2023Download the concept note and the theme 2023.
01/01/2023The text of the Prayer for February 8th, 2023 is online in different languages: download it and share it with your community.
Official Hashtag: #PrayAgainstTrafficking
01/01/2023Follow the live streaming of the marathon on https://www.youtube.com/c/preghieracontrotratta
17/10/2022“Journeying in dignity” is the theme of the 9th Edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, celebrated around Feb. 8, 2023.
In 2022, we have experienced major changes as well as the aggravation of crises. In this context, the number of both at-risk groups and people suffering from trafficking violence has increased. We are called to keep hope and the values that guide our being and acting alive. This is the meaning of the theme of the 9th International Day of Prayer, chosen by an international group of young representatives of partner organizations.
Read the whole presentation’s theme document.
21/01/2022Follow the live streaming of the marathon on https://www.youtube.com/c/preghieracontrotratta
10/12/2021“The Power of care – women, economy and human trafficking” is the theme for the 8th International Day of Prayer and Reflection against human trafficking, on the next 8th of February, 2002.
The theme’s choice continues the previous year’s, where we began to reflect on the connection between the economy and human trafficking. The 2022 edition proposes to focus on women. They are, in fact, the most affected by the violence of trafficking. At the same time, they have a fundamental and important role in the process of transforming the economy of exploitation into one of care.
Read the whole presentation’s theme document.
05/02/2021From Oceania to the Americas, we pray online for an “Economy without Trafficking in Persons”.
A message from Pope Francis will be broadcast during the YouTube live. Press release
The text of the Prayer for February 8th are online in different languages: download it and share it with your community.
Official Hashtag: #PrayAgainstTrafficking
08/12/20202021 brings into the spotlight one of the main causes of human trafficking: the dominant economic model of our time, whose limits and contradictions are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Are you interesting in knowing more? Click here!
01/01/2020
The texts of the Prayer Vigil for 8th of February
are online in different languages:
download them and share them with your community.
Official Hashtag: #PrayAgainstTrafficking
08/11/2017Vigil of prayer and reflection vigil against Trafficking. For further details click here
20/10/2017The Committee for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against trafficking in persons presented today the theme for the Edition 2018: Migration and Trafficking. Click for the Press Release
17/10/2017Presentation of the 2018 IDPT. MIGRATION WITHOUT TRAFFICKING, say yes to Freedom, no to slavery Click here
13/10/2017Apresentação do DMOT 2018: MIGRAÇÕES SEM TRÁFICO DE PESSOAS. Sim à liberdade. Não à escravidão. Clique aqui
13/10/2017
Présentation de la JMPT 2018: MIGRATIONS SANS TRAITE DES PERSONNES. Oui à la liberté. Non à l’esclavage. Cliquez ici
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