To mark the EU International Day against Human Trafficking, RENATE colleagues in SOLWODI Hungary presented a day’s conference to raise awareness about human trafficking, share best practice and network together in order to best support one another in the work to combat human trafficking and exploitation.

The awareness-raising event took place on 16th October in Párbeszéd Háza (Budapest, the Jesuit Cultural and Spiritual Center) and was available both offline and online.

Sr. Gabriella Légrádi SCSC, president of SOLWODI underlined the importance of networking.
Ms. Jakobovich Nóra Tamara PHD (Ministry of the Interior) presented the actual achievements and challenges Hungary faces to combat human trafficking.

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Ms. Ágnes De Coll (Hungarian Baptist Aid) summarized a recent Hungarian study on human trafficking, published in 2020.
Her presentation was followed by Lt Col László Kovács, who shared his experience working at the segregated areas in Hungary , taking part in a governmental project that helps 300 Hungarian villages living in extreme poverty, in highly vulnerable circumstances.

Delegates also had the privilege to watch the testimony of a survivor, a young woman who took part in SOLWODI’s recovery programme. It was a deep and moving witness of God’s restoring grace in her life.

The Programme for the day: Párbeszéd Háza – Az emberkereskedelem elleni küzdelem európai napja (parbeszedhaza.hu)

Registration is now opwn for the 3rd Training course for Talitha Kum leaders.

Talitha Kum’s leadership training is a priority of the Network!

The course will be carried out in collaboration between Talitha Kum and UISG, the Pontifical Antonianum University and the Tangaza University College of Nairobi. 

COURSE AIM
The aim of the course is to offer a training to develop professional and relational skills to promote greater collaboration between networks for joint actions against trafficking in persons.

COURSE PROGRAM
how to comprehend human trafficking dynamics;
leadership models
spirituality and Social Doctrine of the Church
the importance of networking and communication
projects’ planning and development
financial management and fundraising
It will also provide information about Talitha Kum’s mission, vision and project of action.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Monday January 10th , 2022 .

WHEN IS THE COURSE? The course will be online from March 2022 until March 2023

TO APPLY and see full details of the programme:- http://www.antonianum.eu/talitha_kum

Source: Unseen UK

Watch on Youtube

Unseen has written a joint letter with other anti-slavery charities to Alok Sharma, President of COP26. The letter calls for urgent action to acknowledge the link between climate-induced displacement and migration and the increased vulnerability of the world’s most marginalised societies to exploitation and slavery. Click the image above to watch a short film on why its so important to tackle climate change holistically.

Unseen’s CEO writes in The Guardian
The government needs to raise its game in its approach to tackling modern slavery, says Unseen’s CEO Andrew Wallis OBE in an article published in last week’s Guardian newspaper. He also sets out clearly and simply the negative repercussions that the new Nationality and Borders Bill will have on survivors of modern slavery and asylum seekers.

To ensure the UK doesn’t lose its place in the world for tackling modern slavery and exploitation, next week we’ll be asking you to write to your local MP to make crucial changes to this new bill. So please keep an eye on your inbox.

Response from G7
The newly-created coalition of anti-slavery charities – of which Unseen is a member – has received a response to its joint letter to G7 leaders asking for them to endorse supply chain reform and their concerted effort to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking globally by 2030.

In their response, the G7 Trade Ministers stated that they ‘call on all countries, multilateral institutions and businesses to work together, including with survivors of forced labour, to eradicate forced labour from global supply chains.’ They also cited past guidance notices on human rights due diligence to help drive out exploitation.

It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s still much further to go. We will continue to keep up pressure to bring lasting changes on the ground.

Helpline Hero Campaign
Our challenge to our vital supporters to become a Helpline Hero by taking part in our campaign is still open. Visit our website for more details on how you can talk, walk and raise funds to ensure Unseen’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline is there for anyone who needs help or has a concern.

The Conference of INGOs organised two events on 18 October 2021, to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October) and the European Anti-Trafficking Day (18 October).

A ceremony with senior officials of the Council of Europe was held outside the Palais de l’Europe from 12h30 – 13h15, where testimonies of persons who have been a victim of trafficking or whose rights to decent work have been denied were presented.

The ceremony was followed by a webinar that explored the issue of decent work – articles 1, 2, 3, 4 and 26 of the revised European Social Charter related to: the formality of work; usefulness of work and impact on the environment, respect for the rights and dignity of all persons. Dr Mary McHugh, RENATE Representative at the INGO Council of Europe, supported the work in coordinating this webinar of raising awareness against Human Trafficking.
RENATE member Ana Stakaj, Executive at Mary Ward Loreto Albania, presented a very moving and impactful presentation, based on her experiences working with women and girls in Albania whose lives are affected by the lack of access to decent work, rendering them vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation.

We are grateful to all of you who helped RENATE give voice to the vulnerable, through your sharing of stories from your own ministries, which make the harsh realities of human trafficking very ‘’real’’ for those who attended and heard. Sr Marie Helene Halligan (Good Shepherd) former RENATE rep at the INGO and Marie Christine Davy, another RENATE rep at the INGO, were in attendance at this important event.

View the webinar here

On 18 October 2021, HM Queen Silvia’s Foundation Care About the Children and Child10 held a seminar at the Royal Castle in Stockholm to highlight the EU Anti-Trafficking Day.

The event brought together the international public, private and civil society sector together to enhance collaboration and discuss joint challenges.

During the seminar the Child10 Awarded Members of 2021 received their Child10 Award from HM Queen Silvia.

HM Queen Silvia expressed her gratitude to all saying ‘’Thank you for your exceptional work to combat trafficking and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children. Organizations such as yours, working directly with these children, either in person or online, are essential in order to ensure a safe environment for children to seek help.’’
The full list of organizations receiving the Award was as follows:

Nvo Astra eLiberare Ellencentret Footprint to freedom survivor-led consultancy Lightup Germany Lightup Norway Lightup Austria MARTA Udruzenje “Novi put”/Association “Novi put” Novahuset – föreningen mot sexuellt våld Qendra Psiko-Sociale “Vatra” IROKO Onlus