RENATE is proud to officially launch our Shelters and Safe Houses Booklet, a comprehensive resource highlighting the vital work being carried out across our network. This booklet provides an in-depth look at the nine active shelters and safe houses that are part of the RENATE network, offering a glimpse into the transformative and life-saving support being provided to those in need.

This launch follows the in-person unveiling at the 2024 RENATE Working Board Meeting in Athens, Greece, where members gathered online and in-person to discuss and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our shelters and safe houses. Now, we are delighted to share this invaluable resource with our wider network and beyond.

Through these pages, you will witness the dedication, resilience, and compassion that define RENATE’s mission in providing safe spaces for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Each shelter and safe house plays a crucial role in offering protection, healing, and empowerment, helping individuals reclaim their dignity and rebuild their lives.

We warmly invite you to explore the booklet, share it widely, and help us amplify the impact of this work. If you feel moved by the stories and efforts detailed within, we encourage you to make a donation—100% of which will go directly to supporting the RENATE shelters and safe houses. More details on how to contribute can be found at the end of the booklet.

We are thrilled to launch this initiative and look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you for your continued support in our collective mission to bring hope and safety to those who need it most.

In June 2025 Caritas Ukraine summarizes results of the annual project “Prevention, protection and
assistance to vulnerable survivors of human trafficking in Ukraine, 2024-2025” supported by CAFOD, Caritas Spain and Caritas Korea. The quantitative results speak for themselves:

219 potential victims of human trafficking were screened by Caritas workers;

• 157 of them were identified as survivors and included into the project;
• They received 288 psychological / psychotherapeutic services, 282 different other services, 10
  grants for micro-business and/or medical treatment;
• 218 preventive and informational activities, 150 outreach activities, 32 advocacy events at national
  and international level, 29 raising awareness events were held;

But behind the numbers there are real stories of people who were trafficked and exploited and with the
assistance of Caritas could restart their lives. Here are some stories of Caritas Ukraine’s beneficiaries.

Galya (born in 2011) and Sofia (born in 2013) are sisters. After their parents divorced in 2019, the
girls lived with their grandparents in the village in Mykolaiv region. Their mother remarried and lived with
her new husband in the city of Voznesensk. She often took her daughters to her home, bought them
sweets, and indulged their every whim.

Taking advantage of the children’s trust and gratitude, the mother and stepfather photographed the girls naked and also filmed pornographic videos. They distributed these videos by sending them to another people via Internet. The stepfather committed sexual acts against one of his stepdaughters in the presence and with the participation of his wife, who filmed the acts. The filmed
content, which contained child pornography, was then distributed on the Internet.

The video footage was discovered in November 2023 by a senior inspector of the Kyiv Regional
Department of Internal Affairs while monitoring the web application “IcacCops” (used to prevent
cybercrimes against children). After identifying children in the video, a criminal case was opened against
their mother and stepfather. In December 2024, the Voznesensk City District Court of the Mykolaiv region sentenced the two defendants to 15 years in prison for producing and distributing child pornography, child molestation, rape, by prior conspiracy by a group of persons, and human trafficking.

The sisters currently live with their father, his common-law wife, and three other children in the
village. The family is poor, and the father is renovating the old house with his own hands, trying to make
the children comfortable. There is no central water supply in the village, so water has to be brought in. The family cannot afford to drill a well, so they cannot grow vegetables or run a household. They have to buy all the food for their large family.

The girls were referred to Caritas Odesa at the end of March 2025 by the officials of Mykolaiv
Regional State Administration. In April of 2025, the girls were granted the status of victims of human
trafficking.

After establishing contact with the father and assessing the needs of the children and their family,
comprehensive assistance was provided to them as part of the project. The girls received psychological
counseling, counseling and coaching was also provided to their father. Tablets and other school equipment were purchased for the sisters to improve their access to online education (during times of unrest and heavy shelling). The family was also provided with cleaning and hygiene products.

After getting married, Oleg couldn’t find a steady job for a long time, only odd jobs. Due to his
instability, he began to abuse alcohol. They didn’t have children, so his wife packed her things and left him.

Oleg didn’t know what to do, and because of this addiction, vulnerability and instability, he ended up in
prison. After his release from prison, he moved in with his sister. But his drinking habit didn’t go away, so
his sister was always arguing with him. Oleg packed his things and left for the capital.

In October 2024, while at the train station in Kyiv, Oleg accepted an offer from a stranger named
Alexander. The man offered Oleg treatment for alcohol addiction at a “rehabilitation center” in Kyiv region. The center was known for providing free accommodation and meals. Oleg got into Alexander’s car and they drove off. They didn’t drive for long, about an hour. When the man got out of the car, he saw a two-story building with a large fence. Instead of the promised treatment, the man and other men who were already there were locked up in a rented house – a “rehabilitation center” – where their phones, documents, and other valuables were taken away. Oleg lived in unsanitary conditions (in a basement).

There were 31 people living in the premises, 25 men and 6 women. Every day, a bus arrived and took the men to work. They were forced to work on construction sites for 10-11 hours a day. In the evening, they were picked up from the site and taken back to the center, and so it went every day. The women who were there were forced to clean the house and cook meals for the center’s staff using expired food products.

The men were paid 100 hryvnia on weekdays and 200 hryvnia (less than 5 Euro) on weekends for their work. Oleg was allowed to keep 100-200 hryvnia, depending on the day of the week.

When Oleg and other victims attempted to escape, they were subjected to physical and
psychological violence, false promises and deception, deprivation of freedom of movement, and denial of access to medical care. If a man did not obey, he was deprived of food. At the center, Oleg was made
addicted to psychotropic drugs.

Law enforcement agencies and police exposed this criminal group and released the man and other
survivors. Colleagues from Caritas Kyiv were engaged to this raid and referred Oleg to Caritas Drohobych
center. Oleg officially received the status of a victim of human trafficking from the state.

Currently, Caritas takes care and treats Oleg, taking into account his desire to receive rehabilitation from alcohol and drugs. The charitable foundation helped him to settle at Caritas rehabilitation center, where he is undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. He visits a therapist and receives psychological
counseling. Oleg is very satisfied with the treatment and is already on the mend. Now the man has new goals in his life and desire to live a full and happy life.

Prepared by Natalia Holynska,
Caritas Ukraine counter trafficking project manager
https://caritas.ua/

Since the beginning of 2025, SOLWODI Hungary has been actively involved in a range of initiatives to combat human trafficking and support victims. Their efforts have included urgent interventions as well as awareness-raising and prevention activities.

In August 2024, SOLWODI Hungary launched a new website featuring a form for those seeking assistance. Throughout this period, the organization has received regular requests for help—ranging from everyday financial issues to urgent cases requiring immediate action. In serious situations, SOLWODI Hungary collaborates closely with the National Help Line (OKIT), notifying them of the cases and providing victims with the helpline’s contact information. So far this year, three critical cases have been addressed.

At the end of January, SOLWODI Hungary visited Karolina School, operated by the SSND sisters in Szeged. This large institution educates children from nursery through secondary school (up to age 18). Representatives spoke with 44 students in the 11th and 12th grades about vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking, discussing both sexual exploitation and labor trafficking. This education is especially important for students preparing to enter the workforce. The Szeged region is also a known route for illegal migration, increasing the risk of trafficking.

On February 8th, SOLWODI Hungary held a Mass for victims and survivors of trafficking at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart in Budapest, providing a moment of remembrance and solidarity.

In late March, SOLWODI Hungary was invited to Premonstratensian St. Norbert High School in Gödöllő, Pest County, to speak to approximately 200 pupils across six classes in the 9th and 11th grades. The team delivered hour-long presentations, rotating among classes to share different perspectives on trafficking risks and prevention strategies.

Since the 10th-grade students were away on pilgrimage during the March visit, SOLWODI Hungary returned in late May to present to three classes of about 100 students. The presentations highlighted the dangers of sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and trafficking for organ harvesting—a concerning issue in this region.

Following their visit, the school’s parents’ council invited SOLWODI Hungary to host an information session on May 29th. Over 25 parents attended, where Sr. Gabriella presented insights from the organization’s work in their safe house and provided a comprehensive overview of trafficking risks. The session aimed to help parents understand how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities and how to protect their children. The school generously gifted SOLWODI Hungary books on its history and the life of St. Norbert, along with tickets to visit the Royal Castle of Gödöllő—a deeply appreciated gesture.

Looking ahead, SOLWODI Hungary is preparing for the Mass for victims of trafficking on July 30th, the UN Anti-Trafficking Day. This year’s focus will be on labor exploitation, particularly the risks associated with seasonal work during the summer months.

Caritas Ukraine assists not only survivors of human trafficking, but also victims of conflict related sexual violence.

The situation with human trafficking in Ukraine remains critical.

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, internal trafficking has significantly increased. According
to official statistics from the National Social Service, 347 individuals were identified as victims of
human trafficking between 2022 and 2024. In 2024 alone, 182 victims were documented.

Alarmingly, in just the first quarter of 2025, 56 new trafficking cases and 39 cases of conflict-
related sexual violence (CRSV) have already been recorded.
More than 70% of these victims suffered from mixed forms of exploitation, often while in
captivity. Many were subjected to sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, or coerced
into participation in the conflict.

A particularly disturbing trend is the rising trafficking of children, directly linked to the
ongoing war. According to Caritas Ukraine, approximately 10% of all screened survivors are
children.

Here is the story of Andriy (the name is changed), 17 year old boy who was subjected to sexual
violence but was able to escape and received comprehensive assistance from Caritas Ukraine.
Andriy lived in Kherson with his mother.

Since the occupation of part of the city, the child has been under psychological pressure
from the Russian military. For more than 6 months he lived with his mother in his own home, but
the occupation resulted in the fact that the Russian militaries constantly threatened the family with
murder during this period. They systematically came to the family’s home (about 2 times a week).
The son was subjected to sexual violence, he was isolated and his personal belongings were
confiscated. These actions were committed under psychological pressure and threats. When the
soldiers entered the apartment, they began to threaten the mother and son, and as a result of the
threats and psychological pressure, the son agreed to do whatever they demanded to save his
mother’s life. The mother, in turn, did the same. The mother was locked in one room with several
Russian soldiers, and the son in another (neighboring) room. They could move freely around the
room only in the absence of the soldiers who committed violence. When they were locked in
different rooms, they could move only when absolutely necessary in the presence of the military.
After repeated incidents of sexual violence and abuse, the mother persuaded her son to leave
the occupied territory with the evacuation convoy. When the militaries were not present in the
room, they packed the necessary things, as it was possible to leave the city. However, at the
occupiers’ posts, the Russian military gave them a choice: either the son or the mother could leave
the city. The mother agreed to stay in exchange for her son going to a safe environment and being
able to continue his studies. He traveled by train to Chernihiv (to his aunt’s house), where he
renewed his documents, and from there to Ternopil to his grandmother. There he received also IDP
status.

The grandmother came to local Caritas to get help for IDPs (food, hygiene, etc.) and
Caritas staff learned about the boy’s situation and decided to refer him to anti-trafficking project as
a potential victim of trafficking. Now the boy lives with his grandparents and goes to school. His psychological state is
stable, but he misses his mother, with whom he manages to contact, but not often.

The boy is provided with assistance in integrating into society, psychological counseling,
legal assistance, laptop, stationery and school supplies to enable him to study, as well as household
items. Andriy was also referred to the pedagogical specialists to prepare for the school mature
tests and additional classes in academic subjects. He is going to get a higher education.

He is continuing to rebuild his life with the dedicated support of Caritas Ukraine.

As we move further into 2025, it’s a perfect time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the incredible progress RENATE has made so far this year.

We’re delighted to share a comprehensive and insightful report from the 2025 Working Board Meeting in Athens, generously compiled by RENATE Member Brian O’Toole for his organisation APT (Act to Prevent Trafficking). This bumper report is packed with updates, reflections, and key outcomes from our time together — a powerful reminder of our shared purpose and the momentum we’ve built.

From detailed task group highlights to emerging strategies and next steps, the report offers a rich overview of RENATE’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation across Europe. Whether you attended the meeting or want to catch up on everything that unfolded, this resource is a must-read.

👉 Read the full report here:
https://sites.google.com/view/renate-board-meeting-athens-20/home

Let it re-ignite your energy and commitment to our mission — and remind you of the strength we hold together in solidarity. 💙

#RENATE #TogetherForDignity #WorkingBoard2025 #AthensMeeting #FaithInAction #HopeInAction #AntiTrafficking #WomenOfFaith

From 22nd to 25th June 2025, the Caritas Slovakia Stop Human Trafficking project team embarked on a meaningful journey through Italy, centred around remembrance, gratitude, and renewed commitment.

A highlight of the trip was our visit to the Canossian Monastery in Schio—home to St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of human trafficking. We were warmly welcomed by the Canossian Sisters, who shared with us the powerful story and enduring message of St. Bakhita’s life. The pilgrimage concluded symbolically with a visit to the moving sculpture Release of the Oppressed, which portrays St. Bakhita as a beacon of hope and freedom.

Following the passing of Pope Francis, we extended our pilgrimage to Rome to honour his unwavering advocacy for victims of human trafficking and the legacy of compassion he leaves behind. In Rome, we visited his final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and passed through the Holy Door as part of the Jubilee Year.

This journey touched each of us deeply—renewing our strength, commitment, and sense of purpose in continuing our mission to support and stand with those most vulnerable.

We are pleased to share an update from the ANDANTE Network, following the conclusion of their recent Study Days and General Assembly. The information below and in the attached document comes from Sophie Rudge and Weronika Felcis, writing on behalf of the CoCoA. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Mary McHugh, who represented the RENATE Network with great dedication and insight during both gatherings.

ANDANTE brings together 15 Catholic women’s organisations from across Europe and represents more than one million women. Founded in 2006, it serves as a platform for collaboration, theological reflection, and advocacy, working to promote the equal participation of women in society and the
Church. ANDANTE also represents Catholic women’s interests at the Council of Europe through its status as an INGO.

The event in Gdańsk brought together women leaders from diverse countries and contexts to reflect on the future of the Church and our shared responsibility in a world facing democratic uncertainty, polarization, and social transformation.

Dear Member Organisation Representatives,

Thank you once again for your commitment, presence, and contribution during the ANDANTE Study Days and General Assembly, held in Gdańsk from 29 April to 2 May 2025.

Your engagement helped shape an inspiring and forward-looking gathering that reaffirmed our shared mission as a European alliance of Catholic women. We reflected on movements for change in society and the Church, deepened our synodal journey, and took important organisational steps — including the adoption of revised statutes and the election of a new Coordination Committee.

As follow-up, please find attached the following key documents:

1. ANDANTE Statement – capturing our common vision and voice following the Study Days
2. Press Release – summarising the outcomes of the General Assembly and recent organisational updates

Both documents are available in English, German, and French. We kindly invite you to share them through your networks, newsletters, and websites, and to consider forwarding them to national Catholic media outlets. You will also find a sample text for forwarding in the appendix.

We are grateful for your continued collaboration, and we look forward to strengthening our shared efforts for justice, inclusion, and co-responsibility in the Church and society.

Warmest regards,
Sophie Rudge and Weronika Felcis in the name of the CoCoA

Liebe Vertreterinnen unserer Mitgliedsorganisationen,

wir danken Euch herzlich für Euer Engagement, Eure Anwesenheit und Eure Beiträge bei den Studientagen und der Generalversammlung von ANDANTE, die vom 29. April bis 2. Mai 2025 in Danzig stattgefunden haben.

Eure Mitwirkung hat wesentlich dazu beigetragen, dass dieses Treffen ein inspirierendes und zukunftsweisendes Ereignis wurde, das unsere gemeinsame Mission als europäisches Bündnis katholischer Frauen gestärkt hat. Wir haben über gesellschaftliche und kirchliche Bewegungen reflektiert, unseren synodalen Weg vertieft und wichtige organisatorische Schritte unternommen – darunter die Annahme neuer Statuten und die Wahl eines neuen Koordinationsausschusses.

Im Anhang senden wir Euch zwei zentrale Dokumente:

1. ANDANTE-Stellungnahme – mit unserer gemeinsamen Vision und Botschaft nach den Studientagen
2. Pressemitteilung – mit einer Zusammenfassung der Generalversammlung und aktuellen Entwicklungen

Beide Dokumente liegen in Deutsch, Englisch und Französisch vor. Wir laden Euch ein, sie in Euren Netzwerken, Newslettern und auf Euren Webseiten zu teilen – und gerne auch an nationale katholische Medien weiterzuleiten. Ebenso finden Sie im Anhang einen Mustertext für die Weiteleitung.

Wir danken Euch für die gute Zusammenarbeit und freuen uns auf die Fortsetzung unseres gemeinsamen Engagements für Gerechtigkeit, Inklusion und Mitverantwortung in Kirche und Gesellschaft.

Mit herzlichen Grüßen,
Sophie Rudge und Weronika Felcis im Namen des CoCoA

Chères représentantes de nos organisations membres,

Nous vous remercions chaleureusement pour votre engagement, votre présence et vos contributions aux Journées d’Etudes et à l’Assemblée Générale d’ANDANTE, qui se sont tenues à Gdansk du 29 avril au 2 mai 2025.

Votre participation a largement contribué à faire de cette rencontre un événement inspirant et tourné vers l’avenir, qui a renforcé notre mission commune en tant qu’alliance européenne de femmes catholiques. Nous avons réfléchi sur les mouvements sociaux et ecclésiaux, approfondi notre parcours synodal et pris des mesures organisationnelles importantes – notamment l’adoption de nouveaux statuts et l’élection d’un nouveau comité de coordination.

En annexe, nous vous envoyons deux documents centraux :

1.      la déclaration d’ANDANTE – avec notre vision et notre message communs après les journées d’études

2.      le communiqué de presse – avec un résumé de l’assemblée générale et les développements actuels.

Les deux documents sont disponibles en allemand, anglais et français. Nous vous invitons à les partager dans vos réseaux, vos newsletters et sur vos sites web – et à les transmettre volontiers aux médias catholiques nationaux. De même, vous trouverez en annexe un modèle de texte pour la transmission.

Nous vous remercions de votre bonne collaboration et nous réjouissons de poursuivre notre engagement commun pour la justice, l’inclusion et la coresponsabilité dans l’Eglise et la société.

Avec nos salutations les plus cordiales,

Sophie Rudge et Weronika Felcis au nom du CoCoA

The representative of Caritas Ukraine and RENATE Natalia Holynska took part in the
Regional Expert Group Meeting (REGM) in Bucharest, Romania, on 23-24 April 2025. The subject
of the conference was “Impact of the War in Ukraine on Human Trafficking in South-Eastern
Europe, with Focus on Illegal Adoption and Surrogacy Exploitation”. It was held by the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the National Agency Against
Trafficking in Persons (ANITP) within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romana and the Ministry
of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

Ms. Nataliya Holynska, Project Manager of Caritas, Ukraine, introduced her intervention by
presentation of a short semi-documentary film “Fragile Life”, depicting real cases of human
trafficking during wartime, including the trafficking of a boy for forced adoption
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a89EDAtNEYs. Ms Holynska then proceeded with a set of
recommendations for improving responses to human trafficking.

In conclusion, she highlighted the need to address emerging challenges of the 21st century, such as
artificial intelligence, armed conflicts, climate changes, and migration crises, by suggesting
potential amendments to the Palermo Protocol to better reflect contemporary trafficking realities. 
At the end of her presentation, she thanked participants for their attention and expressed
hope that these proposals would contribute to strengthening anti-trafficking efforts globally.

First, she called for the improvement of the international referral mechanism, urging that it should
encompass non-EU countries, particularly Ukraine. 

‎Second, Ms. Holynska proposed conducting new research studies, noting that while previous
UNODC research was valuable, updated studies focusing on Ukraine and neighbouring countries
such as Romania, Moldova, and Poland are urgently needed, especially concerning surrogacy-
related risks and consequences.

Further she recommended launching public awareness campaigns to sensitize communities about
the dangers of surrogacy, particularly in light of the new EU Directive.

Ms. Holynska stressed the importance of enhancing proactive screening and identification of
trafficking victims, not only for sexual exploitation but also for labor exploitation, domestic
servitude, criminal activities, and mixed forms of exploitation, which are currently prevalent in
Ukraine. 

With gratitude from the RENATE Network

This week, we mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who stood boldly for justice, peace, and the dignity of every person. While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in reflecting on the moments we shared with him as a network.

One such treasured memory was the audience RENATE members were privileged to have with Pope Francis during our Second European Assembly in Rome, held from 6–12 November 2016. On 7th November, the Holy Father welcomed us at the Vatican with warmth and humility. Each person had the rare opportunity to greet him personally — an unforgettable honour.

As a token of our shared mission, Sr. Patricia Mulhall, CSB, presented Pope Francis with a handwoven St. Brigid’s Cross from the Brigidine Community in Kildare, Ireland. Alongside Sr. Viktorija Šimić, SCSC, they shared a prayer composed during the weaving of the Cross — carrying our hopes, dreams, and steadfast commitment to end human trafficking.

We invite you to revisit the Pope’s full address to RENATE here:
👉 Greeting of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Second European Assembly of RENATE

You may also enjoy looking back at the group photo with Pope Francis, a moment of joy and unity that continues to bless us.

For more stories and photos from this special time, visit our News archive from November 2016, and feel free to browse your own photo collections to remember the joy we shared in Rome.

We give thanks for the life, vision, and unwavering compassion of Pope Francis. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to light our path.

In prayer,
The RENATE Core Group