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

Do you want to know the answer to this and other questions such
as: What is it? Where is it? What can I do? Why should I care?

Then come to Southwark Against Modern Slavery’s event at Reigate Methodist Church, Saturday 19th October 2024, 10.00am – 3.00pm.

With our sincere gratitude to RENATE member and Working Board representative for Spain, Sr. Begoña Iñarra of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, we are delighted to share the Spanish translation of RENATE’s latest law research.

Please see below to access the report.

https://renate-europe.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Estudio-RENATE-2023-Esp-1.pdf

On behalf of our Maltese colleagues, and in response to the Salvation Army’s call for prayer against human trafficking, RENATE warmly invites you to join with them for a special time of reflection and intercession on Wednesday, 18th September. This day of prayer is an important opportunity to unite in faith and support the fight against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

You can participate in one of two ways:

International Zoom Meeting – 11:00 AM

Be part of a global gathering of believers via Zoom. This virtual space will allow participants from around the world to join together in prayer. A Zoom Meeting Link has been issued to all RENATE members via email.

Intercession Meeting at Capuchin’s Hall, Floriana – 7:00 PM

For those who are in Malta and prefer an in-person gathering, you are invited to meet at the Capuchin’s Hall adjacent to the Church in Floriana, Malta. It will be a meaningful time of communal prayer and reflection.

Whether you choose to join us online or in person, this is a wonderful opportunity to stand together in prayer for those affected by human trafficking. Together, we can strengthen our commitment to supporting the vulnerable and addressing this crucial issue.

We encourage all to attend and feel the strength of our community united in prayer.

This past summer, Sr. Viktorija Simic had the opportunity to share the important message of combating human trafficking with various communities. It began in early July 2024, when she was invited to give a talk on human trafficking to a group of teenagers at a camp organized by Fr. Josip Blažević, OFMConv, on the beautiful island of Cres. The camp was attended by around 50 young people, including members of the Franciscan Youth and others from different parishes and towns.

During the session, Sr. Viktorija not only discussed the critical issue of human trafficking but also led a time of prayer. After the talk, the group participated in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, offering prayers for the victims of trafficking and for an end to this grave injustice. It was an inspiring moment as the young people engaged deeply with the issue, reinforcing the power of education and spiritual action in the fight against trafficking.

Later in July, Sr. Viktorija was invited to give an interview on Catholic radio, which is scheduled to air in October 2024, timed to coincide with the European Day Against Human Trafficking on October 18. In the interview, she reflects on her personal journey in the fight against human trafficking, which began in 2007. She also shared how being a member of RENATE has been instrumental in shaping her work. RENATE’s support, as well as the meetings with its members, provided her with valuable resources and encouragement. This enabled Sr. Viktorija to carry out preventive work, visiting parishes, schools, and Sisters’ communities to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Sr. Viktorija believes that the interview on Catholic radio will serve as another vital platform for raising awareness, as it reaches a broad audience in Croatia. The fight against human trafficking requires constant vigilance and effort, and the support of media, faith communities, and organizations like RENATE plays a crucial role in making a difference.
Reflecting on the summer of 2024, Sr. Viktorija is grateful for the opportunities to engage with young people and broader communities in the fight against human trafficking. Through prayer, education, and awareness, she believes that we can continue to shed light on this dark issue and work towards a world free from trafficking.

Let us remain committed to this cause, knowing that every small action helps create a safer, more just world for all.