January 20, 2021
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
“Human Trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free the victims and stop this increasingly aggressive crime.” Pope Francis
With encouragement from Pope Francis, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General designated February 8th as an annual day of prayer, reflection, and action against human trafficking. On this day, we remember and pray for survivors and victims of modern-day slavery.
Each year, thousands of vulnerable men, women and children are trafficked across our borders and then forced into slavery. Many are fleeing terrible situations in their home countries, and come to the United States to find a better life. Unfortunately, the nightmare often begins when they reach our shores. For over a decade, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been a national leader in advocacy and education to eradicate sex and labor trafficking. Below are some resources from the USCCB, including toolkits different organizations around the world that are all in the fight together to help.
Vatican Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking
2021 National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Day of Prayer Tool Kit
Reforming Foreign Labor Recruitment Backgrounder
Committee of Migration Letter of Support for HR 5664 “LIFT Act”
Coalition of Organizations and Ministries Promoting the Abolition of Slavery at Sea (COMPASS)