This year, World Day against Trafficking falls on 30 July
Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. In December 2013 the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was formed to raise awareness and take action against this abhorrent crime.
Every year, millions of people are affected by human trafficking - lured by false promises, stripped of freedom, and silenced by fear. One third of trafficking victims are children. Today we remember the victims and renew our commitment to ending this evil. May we not look away, but step forward with courage and compassion.
We must strengthen protection responses – including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, raise awareness, support unaccompanied children on the move, provide care for survivors, and tackle the root causes of exploitation by helping vulnerable families. As the Body of Christ, we are called to be a voice for the voiceless and light in the darkest places.
