On October 18th, Sr. Margaret Gonzi, along with RENATE members in Malta gathered with the residents of Dar Merhba Bik shelter for a special Mass, followed by prayers led by the residents. This time of reflection and unity provided an opportunity for shared spiritual connection and moments of personal prayer. Gatherings like these strengthen the bonds within the community and highlight the hope that emerges when people come together in faith.

At the #EndPovertyDay gathering on October 17, 2024, at Dublin’s Famine Stone along the quays, members of RENATE and APT Ireland, including Brian O’Toole from the Presentation Sisters Justice Desk for Ireland & England, and Sr. Eilis Coe, RSC, addressed the profound connection between poverty and human trafficking. Sr. Eilis was one of eight speakers who shared testimonies of their lived experiences with poverty in Ireland, touching on issues of homelessness, addiction, and discrimination. Among the voices were migrants, Travellers, individuals in Direct Provision, and a Palestinian national.

Speaking on behalf of those impacted by human trafficking, Sr. Eilis highlighted that survivors often remain hidden in plain sight due to the trauma they’ve endured and the constant fear they live under. She noted the unique position of trafficking victims, unable to speak publicly about their experiences. Addressing the crowd, she emphasized the role of demand in perpetuating trafficking and spoke directly to the young attendees, urging them to be vigilant against manipulative tactics such as gifts, flattery, and attention. Her testimony underscored the urgency of standing up for those who cannot voice their experiences publicly.

Sr. Eilis’s powerful words resonated with attendees, many of whom were surprised to learn of the hidden realities of child trafficking in Ireland. Her message was clear: victims of human trafficking are among the most marginalized and vulnerable, often left furthest behind in society’s fight against poverty and exploitation.

The STOP Human Trafficking project team has been actively engaged in efforts to support victims and prevent exploitation. Recently, the team has focused on providing specialized care for minor children and adult clients affected by trafficking, creating a supportive environment that enables individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The helpline remains a critical lifeline, offering immediate crisis intervention for those in urgent need. Recent cases have highlighted the importance of timely support, connecting individuals with essential resources during moments of crisis. To ensure victims of trafficking receive the justice they deserve, the team also provides legal aid and accompanies clients to court hearings. This support helps victims navigate complex legal proceedings, advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard. Recognizing the increased risks faced by vulnerable populations, the team conducted a preventive discussion at a local shelter for homeless individuals. The session addressed the heightened risks of exploitation, aiming to raise awareness, offer guidance, and equip at-risk individuals with tools and resources to protect themselves.

Thanks to a grant from the foundation, the quality of accommodation for victims has improved, with new furniture purchased to create a more comfortable living space. Photos attached capture the team preparing, cleaning, and furnishing the rooms, helping to establish a welcoming environment that reflects the dignity and care offered to clients. These recent efforts showcase the STOP Human Trafficking project’s ongoing commitment to preventing exploitation, advocating for victims, and creating a safer and more supportive environment for all affected.

On October 18, in observance of the European Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a significant awareness-raising event was held in Shkodra Albania, as part of the anti-trafficking month. Organized by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the URAT Network and key institutions at both central and local levels, this initiative is aligned with the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons for 2024-2025. The event welcomed a diverse group of participants, including representatives from public institutions, members of the National Referral Mechanism, national and international organizations, civil society activists, high school students, media representatives, and members of the private sector. This year’s slogan, “From Awareness to Action: Join the Fight Against Trafficking,” along with the message from the national hotline, “I hear you! I believe in you!” encouraged all attendees to actively engage in the fight against trafficking.

Highlights of the event included addresses from the Vice Mayor of Shkodra, representatives from the British and American Embassies, and the Minister of the Interior, all delivering powerful messages aimed at raising awareness. The event also featured the inauguration of the Blue Heart art installation, which conveyed a strong message about the need for protection and assistance for victims of trafficking. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to visit a fair showcasing various organizations and institutions committed to this important cause. The event was attended by numerous RENATE members, from organisations such as Different and Equal, Qendra Psiko-Sociale “Vatra,” Mary Ward Loreto, Shkej and Medaille Trust.

From March to June 2024, RENATE members in Ukraine organized a series of impactful awareness-raising events for children in the Lviv region of Ukraine. Aimed at educating youth on the dangers of human trafficking and promoting preventative practices, these events reached 349 participants, ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old and spanning grades 1 to 10. The initiative included a total of 11 awareness sessions, each lasting between one and one and a half hours. Recognizing the diverse age range of participants, organizers tailored methodologies and activities to engage each age group effectively. These efforts included various formats such as trainings, informational games, picture competitions, and community street actions. The majority of the events were held in secondary schools, allowing students to engage in preventive and educational sessions within familiar settings. These school-based events encouraged open discussion and provided critical information on how to avoid risky situations and understand the realities of human trafficking.

Beyond the classroom, community-wide initiatives brought important messages to the streets of Lviv. The street action “Travel Safely!” emphasized the importance of cautious and informed travel, while the “Be Free!” bike ride symbolized freedom from exploitation and the right to move safely in the world. These engaging activities not only brought awareness but also built a supportive community committed to protecting children and youth. Through these events, RENATE strengthened its mission of raising awareness about human trafficking dangers and equipping young people with knowledge and skills to stay safe. This initiative demonstrated the power of education and community action in preventing exploitation and promoting a safer future for youth in Ukraine.

Caritas Ukraine, as a strong actor in counter trafficking activity has developed cooperation with the General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police of Ukraine, Ombudsman’s Office and leading international organizations involved in the prevention, screening, identification and assistance to victims of human trafficking such as OSCE, UNODC, IOM, La Strada Ukraine, GRETA and others. A number of working meetings, round tables and other events took place with the active participation of Caritas Ukraine representatives.

”Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 382 criminal offenses have been investigated for human trafficking. Suspicion notices have been noticed to 158 people. 12 organized criminal groups in the field of human trafficking have been neutralized. Indictments against 155 people were sent to court. 76 criminals were convicted. 197 people were recognised as victims. 126 of them (64%) are women and minors. At the same time, we realize that these figures are just the tip of the iceberg. First, we do not have reliable data on crimes committed by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, but the patterns of crimes we have seen in the regions liberated from the occupiers give an idea of their catastrophic scale”, Andriy Kostin, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. People who have been subjected to physical, sexual and psychological violence apply to NGOs much more often because the words “police,” “prosecutor’s office,” and “authorities” simply frighten them. They are also afraid that if they confess to what they were forced to do, they may become criminals themselves.

“Caritas was one of the first non-governmental organizations to start working in the field of combating human trafficking. People from vulnerable categories are always asking us for help. Some of them tell us that they have been exploited, while others need assistance to open up. In such cases, our social workers, often psychologists and lawyers, work with them. Sometimes we just take the beneficiary by the hand and bring them to the police. Because law enforcement is about combating and detecting, and our work is mainly about prevention and assistance. But it is very important that the victim opens up and gives evidence so that criminals are punished and others do not become their victims. The cooperation of all those working in the field of combating human trafficking is important”, said Iryna Boyko, head of the Anti-Trafficking Centre of Caritas, Kyiv.

Caritas Ukraine has seven centers that work for counter trafficking and cover almost all of Ukraine. In the last 12 months alone, Caritas employees screened 128 victims, 12 of whom are children. Of these, 55% are IDPs and 14% are people with disabilities. The most vulnerable group is internally displaced persons, especially those who are undocumented and cannot access state benefits or assistance programs, which increases their vulnerability to human trafficking. “Only together with law enforcement bodies, state social services and civil society sector we’ll be able not only screen survivors, but also assist them and that is very important to prosecute the criminals. United we may combat human trafficking!” says Natalia Holynska, Caritas Ukraine Counter Trafficking Manager and RENATE Member.

We are excited to share that Anna Ringler, House Manager of Caritas Bakhita House, will be embarking on a significant journey to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of trafficking and modern slavery, particularly the exploitation of women.

From Sunday 20th to Friday 25th October, Anna will walk the historic Pilgrims’ Way from Southwark Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral. Her journey, titled “Walking Resilience,” is a personal challenge to stand in solidarity with the many women affected by trafficking.

Anna hopes to not only raise awareness but also funds for therapeutic activities for the guests at Caritas Bakhita House. The resilience of these women is a true inspiration to her, and through her walk, she aims to support their healing and recovery.

🙏 How can you help? 🙏
Support Anna’s cause by donating to the GoFundMe campaign here: https://gofund.me/2802acc9

Every contribution will go towards providing vital resources and therapeutic support for survivors at Caritas Bakhita House.

Let’s stand together with Anna as she takes each step to shine a light on this pressing issue! 💪👣

#WalkingResilience #EndTrafficking #ModernSlavery #SupportSurvivors #CaritasBakhitaHouse

Date: October 23rd, 2024
Time: 5.00pm – 7.00pm (CET)
Moderator: Mrs. Anne Kelleher, RENATE

Join RENATE for the official online launch of our new research exploring the work of legal practitioners who support survivors of human trafficking. This important event will offer insights from five different countries and provide actionable recommendations to improve the training of legal professionals working with survivors.

In addition to expert insights, the event will feature a personal testimony from a survivor of human trafficking, sharing their experiences navigating the legal system.

We invite you to register for this free event and encourage you to share the details with your network.

Register here: Zoom Registration