RENATE would like to extend its congratulations to Sr. Imelda Poole IBVM, who was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters at a ceremony in Liverpool Cathedral on July 25. This honor recognizes her tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and modern slavery through her leadership roles with the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation and RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation).

As President of the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation, Sr. Imelda has worked to eliminate human trafficking in Albania and the UK, providing shelter and care to those rescued. She co-founded RENATE, a network of religious women from 30 countries dedicated to fighting human trafficking, significantly enhancing support for victims and collaboration with law enforcement.

RENATE congratulates Sr. Imelda on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication and leadership have made a profound impact on the fight against human trafficking. This honorary degree from Liverpool Hope University further highlights the importance of her work in addressing this global issue.

As Professor Claire Ozanne, Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University, said, “We are honored to recognize Sr. Imelda’s outstanding contributions to human rights and her lifelong service to others with this award.”

We, 153 delegates and participants from 71 countries, representatives of the 60 Talitha Kum (TK) networks committed to ending human trafficking on all continents, gathered at the 2nd General Assembly of Talitha Kum at Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano from May 18-24, 2024, with the theme “Journeying Together to End Human Trafficking: Compassion in Action for Transformation,” in order to:

• Share experiences and listen to the grassroots.
• Embrace our identity and diversity as an international network of networks.
• Strengthen relationships, networking, and collaboration.
• Revisit our priorities for action in light of emerging realities. 
• Celebrate 15 years of Talitha Kum.

The power of Pentecost fills us with prophetic hope. The Holy Spirit emboldens us to persevere in eradicating human trafficking to create a future where “all may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). We hear in the pain and suffering of persons wounded by human trafficking the call of Jesus that generates life: “Rise up!” (Mark 5:41) We pray for eyes to see the reality of trafficking, hands that reach out to those affected, a heart filled with care and compassion, and feet to journey forward together on a path of transformation.

As we recommit to the three priorities from our 1st General Assembly in 2019, we recognize that the world has changed dramatically in these past 5 years. Our diverse cultural contexts are marked by accelerating change, intense globalization, rising migration, exponential growth in the use of technology, the devastating impact of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflicts that currently ravage many parts of our world. Today, these emerging realities call Talitha Kum to commit to our next three priorities for 2025-2030, which we have discerned using the synodal method of Conversation in the Spirit.

PRIORITY 1. SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN THE FACE OF NEW VULNERABILITIES: The complex systems that enable human trafficking need to be dismantled through concrete steps towards social, economic, cultural, and political transformation. We denounce the many factors that leave people trapped in modern forms of slavery: discrimination and violence against women and minority groups, exploitation of vulnerable persons especially children, patriarchal systems, internal displacement, forced migration, terrorism, conflict and war, unfettered market capitalism, corruption, racism, organized crime, inadequate immigration laws, and inconsistent law enforcement. These realities cry out to us, and so we commit to:

• Empowering women, children, and youth towards more just, equitable societies. 
• Adopting effective strategies to reduce the demand for human trafficking, including through education for boys and men and advocacy for regular migration pathways.
• Advocating for the procesution of traffickers and for effective policy and legal changes for at-risk populations, including migrants, refugees, and displaced persons. 
• Addressing the push and pull factors of migration and displacement, advocating for the protection and integration of people on the move.
• Exposing the risks of online trafficking and social media by sensitizing young people and their families and promoting cyber safety. 

PRIORITY 2. HOLISTIC, SURVIVOR-CENTRED APPROACH: Our experiences of walking with people who suffer because of trafficking shows us the human face of this global phenomenon. We are called to take a holistic, long-term approach to journeying with trafficked persons that aims at their integral healing and flourishing, walking together in dignity and empathy. This calls upon TK to be more intentionally survivor-centred, survivor-informed, and trauma-sensitive – listening to their stories, consulting them in decision-making processes and putting them at the heart of our networks. We open our ears to hear the silent cry of diverse forms of human trafficking, which affects women, men, youth, and children. Promoting the protagonism of survivors in our network is an essential key to improve our capacity to prevent human trafficking and to act with empathy, care, and unconditional acceptance towards those whose lives are affected by it. Their resilience inspires our perseverance to eradicate human trafficking in all forms. We commit ourselves to:

• Caring for survivors as valued members of our TK family.
• Promoting safe and secure spaces/shelters, survivor-to-survivor peer support, and survivor-led initiatives.
• Establishing spaces for non-judgmental listening, hotlines, and mobile app reporting.
• Linking survivors to education, health services, skill-building, housing, legal aid, and job opportunities.
• Offering psycho-social support and providing spiritual accompaniment for survivors, as well as psychological and legal support and training for TK members and partners.

PRIORITY 3. BROADENING COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS: We realize that we are not alone and that this work cannot be done in isolation. Within TK, this means diversifying our membership and multiplying our impacts. TK is alive today thanks to the courageous and enduring commitment of women religious and their collaborators. Rooted in their prayerful witness, we see lay people, clergy, and young people as key to the long-term sustainability of our work to end human trafficking. We commit ourselves to community engagement and call for broad-based collaboration with Church leaders, other religions and faith communities, governmental organizations, NGOs, women and men, young and old, so that together we can:

• Find creative ways to raise awareness in the face of the globalization of indifference, inspired by Fratelli Tutti.
• Stand up for equality between women and men and respect for human rights.
• Share resources, best practices, data analysis, and the online TK international directory.
• Confronting the impact of climate change and mitigating its underlying causes, inspired by Laudato Si’. 
• Pray for an end to human trafficking, widening the reach of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness on February 8th. 
• Foster the active involvement of young people, particularly TK youth ambassadors, and empower them as leaders of our online campaigns to raise awareness.

Together, our actions have the power to transform lives with compassion,
towards a world free of human trafficking.

You can download this document by visiting the Talitha Kum website:https://www.talithakum.info/en/news/talitha-kum-2nd-general-assembly-final-declaration-may-22nd-2024

May 22th, 2024
Copyright: Talitha Kum

Click here to read

CLICK TO READ FULL RESEARCH PAPER

RENATE legal research, published on 4th July 2024.

The Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation (RENATE) are delighted to announce the launch of our new research report, a culmination of 18 months of dedicated and painstaking work by the RENATE Law Task Group.

RENATE commissioned The Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, to conduct in-depth research on the gaps in the training and resources requried by legal practitioners in five European countries who work for and with victims of human trafficking. This research builds upon previous RENATE research (June 2021) in the same countries that specifically examined the legal assistance for victims of trafficking.

This new research invigorates and emboldens RENATE to continue to pursue and advocate for better conditions and services for those victims of human trafficking who are among the most marginalised. RENATE’s promise is to leave no one behind, supporting not only the victims but also those legal practitioners who resonsibly defend their cases.

This significant and important research underpins RENATE’s ongoing commitment to work together with Church, State and Civil Society, in a joint desire to focus on ending human trafficking, ass outlined in specific Sustainable Development Goals. RENATE is confident in challenging judicial and civil authorities to adopt and enforce legislation that empowers lawyers to protect victims, prosecute perpetrators, seize their assets, and guarantee these assets are used for the ongoing empowerment and fulfilment of life for the survivors of this heinous crime.

The report includes carefully articulated country-specific recommendations as well as several recommendations specifically for RENATE, which will be followed up by many of the RENATE Task Groups.

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My dear friends,

This year, May has been for us the month of Orthodox Easter, providing us with the opportunity to gather together and celebrate with the presence of past participants who came with their children to join us in celebration. We would like to express our gratitude to O.U.R. Rescue, the organization that sponsored our festive meals and allowed us to experience some cherished family moments once again. Additionally, we had the chance to remind our beneficiaries of the significance of Easter and share with them its message.

Another piece of wonderful news is that three of our girls have begun job training after successfully completing phase I of the Recovery Program. This transitional phase prepares them for future employment and brings them closer to independence. It is also a time for them to save the money needed for the next phase of transitional housing. Meanwhile, the rest of our girls continue their training in the skill development program, and all of them have progressed to the level of worker, no longer being trainees. This training enables them to earn an income and make plans for their future as well.

Your tangible support is always greatly appreciated, and we rely on it to sustain our work, meeting not only the daily needs of our girls but also preparing them for a promising future. The cost of the job training program amounts to $12,000, equating to $1,000 per month. Additionally, during this period, we acquire supplies for the Skill Development Program such as leather, clay, jewelry materials, and fabric, which amount to $1,000. I cannot emphasize enough that every gift, no matter how small, is incredibly valuable and can make a significant impact.

Thank you for considering this prayerfully.

Please join us in prayer for:

• The success of the job training program for our girls.
• Continued provision for the construction of the safe house.
• Overall protection and safety for the ministry.

Love in Christ,
Dina

You can access the article here: https://www.vaticannews.va/de/welt/news/2024-05/menschenhandel-talitha-kum-ordensnetzwerk-renate-interview.html

(Photo credit: Vatican News)

Religious orders are at the forefront and well-networked to combat human trafficking, which often occurs directly and unnoticed in society. Currently, the global network Talitha Kum is meeting in Sacrofano near Rome, and we spoke with some participants.

Svitlana Dukhovich, Deborah Lubov, and Christine Seuss – Vatican City

Ivonne van de Kar, from the Netherlands, is one of the two vice presidents of the European Network of Religious Communities Against Human Trafficking (RENATE). In an interview with Vatican Radio, she praises the action plan of the German Bishops’ Conference against human trafficking and urges everyone to remain vigilant about supply chains in their personal purchasing behaviour. RENATE is the European Network of Religious Organizations Against Human Trafficking, one of the numerous institutions united under the Talitha Kum network, which was founded 15 years ago by nuns. Ivonne van de Kar emphasizes that human trafficking occurs everywhere in all societies, even if we often do not want to acknowledge this:

“Everywhere. It’s hard to believe, but it involves exploitation, sexual exploitation, but also in factories, in a shop… People are exploited everywhere, and it is very important that we are aware of this and that we tell each other about it (at events like these, Ed.), but also inform others, and it is very important to know what our fellow sisters in other countries are doing, what others are doing, and what they are fighting against. And that, I believe, is the most important reason we are here, to learn from each other and to hear what is happening in Lebanon or Zimbabwe or Australia. Human trafficking exists everywhere, it is a bit different everywhere, but it exists everywhere, and people are exploited everywhere.”

Listening Back

“Human trafficking exists everywhere, it is a bit different everywhere, but it exists everywhere, and people are exploited everywhere.”

Mostly, it is women who fall into the ruthless machinery of sexual exploitation, but children and men are also vulnerable—no one is truly safe if they are in financial distress, fleeing, or in other difficulties. It’s not just about forced prostitution. Van de Kar finds it especially important that regular consumers become aware of their consumption habits and look closely at where a product or service comes from:

“So, when you buy a new blouse, where does it come from? Where was it made? Which children worked on it? Or when laundry is done in my church, which organization does it for our church? Who does it? Who are these people and where do we buy our supplies for the church? Are they perhaps migrants, do they receive a normal income? Can they live on it? Where do they work? Where do we buy our own stuff? As a church, as a person, and as an organization? People are exploited here with us, but also when we buy something produced in China or Taiwan.”

In this context, van de Kar also praises the action plan against human trafficking presented by the German Bishops’ Conference in December 2022 after two years of joint work with the Santa Marta Group. With nine specific recommendations, the consulted experts provide guidance on how human trafficking can also be combated at the political and law enforcement levels.

“We have heard about this action plan from the German Bishops’ Conference, and we are also using it in Europe because it is so important,” underscores van de Kar: “Where does exploitation occur, and where can something be done? It is not always far away. Sometimes it is very, very close.”

From Victim to Helper

Kris, our second interviewee, can only agree with this. She is a survivor of human trafficking who originally came from a wealthy family but was lured off a train as a naive teenager and forced into prostitution in a major American city. She is also attending the 2nd General Assembly of Talitha Kum in Sacrofano, north of Rome. Kris has become a sought-after expert in the field. She currently serves as the executive director of the Justice Project KC, a nonprofit human rights organization in Kansas City, Missouri, and provides support to women and girls in poverty. She is also a member of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Anti-Trafficking Coalition and the Kansas Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Advisory Board.

“There needs to be a shift in language from victim to survivor to achiever because when people are labelled as victims, it changes their self-image.”

“As someone who survived sexual exploitation and now works with other affected individuals, I really believe the world must unconditionally accept and love these people,” she asserts in an interview with Vatican News. She also calls for a change in how survivors are perceived: “There needs to be a shift in language from victim to survivor to achiever because when people are labelled as victims, it changes their self-image,” says the expert, who has herself endured dark times as a sex slave in the middle of an American city.

Participants at the 2nd General Assembly of Talitha Kum

Male Victims Slip Through the Cracks

There needs to be more “inclusivity” for the many victims, “including our trans victims” who face “a lot of hatred,” as well as “for men and boys who sometimes slip through the cracks.” Society as a whole needs to be “less biased,” “put aside their prejudices,” and “help others achieve justice for themselves,” the expert demands. Looking ahead to the Talitha Kum General Assembly, where religious, especially nuns, and committed lay people from around the world dedicated to combating human trafficking come together, Kris emphasizes that she would like to see a specific focus at the next event:

“I would like them to address the ‘demand,’ the buyers, because they want to tackle the causes. There are many causes, but one of the main ones is that people are still willing to buy other people.” With a wink, she also argues using an ancient economic principle: “If people don’t buy, it’s much harder to sell. I mean, that’s basic capitalist theory. If you don’t have buyers for your product, it’s much harder to sell the product. That’s what I would like to see.”

“If you don’t have buyers for your product, it’s much harder to sell the product.”

However, this requires a lot of awareness, especially among men and boys, that it is wrong to “commodify women and girls as mere toys for men.”

Furthermore, Kris emphasizes the necessity of promoting “the equality of women at all levels, in all phases, in all countries, and everywhere” and always striving for greater equality: “Especially law enforcement must address the demand, and where I live, this is already happening. And when these traffickers are legally and financially penalized, they often withdraw, and that makes a difference. We’ve seen that in my part of the world.”

A Global Network

The Talitha Kum network includes religious, laypeople, young activists, and survivors of human trafficking. The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) established the network in 2009. Talitha Kum aims primarily to offer assistance to boys and girls, women and men affected by human trafficking and to raise awareness of their situation.

Member networks—there are sixty in total—are represented on all continents in 107 countries. Recently, Talitha Kum has established subregional hubs, particularly in Asia and Africa, and in 2023, new networks were founded in Togo and Puerto Rico.

Author – Brian O’Toole

I was one of the 148 Delegates from over 70 countries that attended this 2^nd Talitha Kum Assembly that marks 15 years of Talitha Kum (TK). I was attending as one of the 6 delegates from RENATE, the Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation.  The guiding theme of the Assembly was “Journeying Together to End Human Trafficking: Compassion in Action for Transformation”. 60 Talitha Kum networks were represented in Rome, and it is significant to mention that there was a strong youth and lay contingent present to help discern the next steps for Talitha Kum for the next five years.

In the weeks and months in the lead up to the Assembly I was committed to and attended several online preparation seminars and trainings as a group facilitator at our table. We were tasked with facilitation of the “Conversation with the Spirit” as a way of collective discernment given the listening and input that had been prepared for us for each day. Upon meeting our group, we were given some time to spend together, to introduce ourselves, to speak of our work, our hopes, and perhaps too of our expectations for the sessions ahead. We had been asked to bring something from home that would be representative of where we come from. I brought a “sliotar” – a hurling ball, which in and of itself created some interest. I later gave it to Bill, from the USA as a gift going home. He seemed particularly taken with it.  The opening ritual involved all placing those representative and well-chosen items in a sacred space that would be a centre piece for the duration of the Assembly. We were invited to reflect on the symbols as a testament to our diversity, our identity and our experiences, bringing the spirit of those whom we accompany to this gathering.

Sr. Abby Avelino, opened proceedings by inviting us to share and to listen to the voices from the grassroots that would be heard during the week. She reminded us to embrace the TK identity, and to work to strengthen the TK network, explaining that this was a unique opportunity for “dialogue that would allow for emerging strategies by joining forces.” 

Pope Francis reminded us of the moral imperative to fight and act to end Human Trafficking. He told us that “freedom is not a privilege but a right.” TK is a global force for liberation that honours, advocates and supports all volunteers, “each life reclaimed is a testament to faith in action.” This Assembly was presented as an opportunity to rekindle our collective resolve to forge stronger bonds in new and ongoing work.

As part of the welcome, we were told to trust and respect all that we bring to this gathering and to know that all in the room are working to dismantle the structures that facilitate Human Trafficking. In advance of our attendance each of the networks was tasked with the completion of a significant piece of work and 56 of the 60 attending networks had completed this work meaning that we were never more ready than we were at this point to begin to set out the plans for the next 5 years that will in turn, feature in the plans of all the networks attending. It was clear from the beginning that the view and perception of the local work was to feature strongly at the meeting of networks.

The conversations we were to have were inspired by significant contributions that had been strategically planned during the week. One early input introduced us to the neo-liberal economy, a bit wordy, you might say, but essentially it places profit above the person, it’s about unfettered economic growth at the expense of the dignity of those working. It’s about a race to the bottom in terms of rights for those who have the least. We are all familiar with the concept of the widening gap between the richest and poorest, and we are aware that this gap is widening. Additionally, as the rich become richer, the poor are becoming even poorer and sometimes this can lead to an inevitable desperation, creating conditions that are ripe for the trafficker where the pull factors are so appealing, given that the desperation for so many can be just one of the motivating push factors. We were told of the significant increase in online trafficking since the Covid19 Pandemic. We are witnessing the emergence of enabling technology that facilitates increased abuse at a distance and at a remove, meaning that the perpetrator can act with greater impunity. Migration is now a feature of most party manifestos where elections are being held and the welcome is hostile. Countries are looking inward; the politics of kindness, if not already absent, is disappearing fast. Even though we know that migrating is very often the last thing a person wants to do, but climate change, conflict, natural disaster and persecution are real and persuasive push factors. We watch with growing concern the response of countries who should know better.

What we do know for certain is that when people move, there is a vulnerability, a chance that they may meet with or fall into the clutches of traffickers. And what is now even more exasperating is that there is a conflation between the issues of migration and Human Trafficking and that many now don’t see or won’t see that there is a clear and marked distinction between victims of Human Trafficking and Economic Migrants.

Since the last TK Assembly there has been a noticeable increase in the numbers being trafficked. There is an increased number of undocumented workers tied to unscrupulous employers, increased surrogacy, and a pronounced increase in organ harvesting, forced marriage, organised crime, terrorism, kidnapping, war and displacement. We were told that “thousands are rescued while millions are still in darkness.”  We were told of the disturbing involvement of family members in facilitating human trafficking of their own family. We were told how the middleman who lures a victim doesn’t have to be successful all the time. He only needs to successfully lure a victim into being trafficked now and again to be considered successful but that each time he fails he learns to persuade better, he hones his technique, his skill becomes nuanced to succeed and the trusting victim may not stand a chance, such is the deviousness of those involved in the trafficking of people.

We listened to disturbing stories of families selling their own children into “sex work” knowingly, such is the poverty and desperation. It was becoming clear from the very beginning of the Assembly that progress would involve both victims and survivors and the visibility of TK must be heightened in the church and with the public. We were being encouraged to take risks, to be bold, not to shy away, but to confront, to challenge, to engage, to be forthright, to be courageous and unafraid.

It was becoming apparent from the synthesis of the group’s feedback, that strengthening the network needs to be a priority. The issues of Human Trafficking need to be aired in parishes, they need to be part of ongoing parish conversations, and even wider than that, we need to encourage all to be part of a new interfaith understanding and activism that dismantles, disrupts and thwarts the traffickers at every turn.

We need to be advocates for the restoration of dignity, for a sincere human rights response that leads to lasting transformational change. “We need to continue to feed our networks to help them to grow. TK needs to be more visible in the church.”  And central to this is the role that victims and survivors can and must play with our gentle accompaniment.

Again and again, the spirituality of TK was referenced as a guiding beacon, a powerful tool, a sustaining and energising force that binds us together, strengthens our network and takes care of all when the path becomes tough. In an effort to discern, we were guided in our reflection by carefully prepared inputs, one of which referenced migration as the issue of the times. For us, we understand that when people move, they are vulnerable and often the sudden reason for the move may indeed exacerbate the vulnerability.

The UISG offer free training (only 4 hours) at an easy pace that offers a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics at play when people migrate, and we have been encouraged to avail of this training and to offer this invitation to all who are in our networks. People have always been on the move but of growing concern is the hostile welcome that is being afforded to migrants. In many countries there is a narrative that conflates the issue of human trafficking with migration and so victims are not being seen as victims and this exacerbates the problem.

We know now that people migrate to seek out a better life and for better job opportunities. People also move because of conflict, climate change or religious persecution. Political instability can also be a reason so many people move, natural disaster, human rights violations or maybe it could be just as simple as resource scarcity.

Where a sudden move happens, we see an increase in vulnerability, take for example the women and children who had to suddenly move from Ukraine in March of 2022.

TK recognises that over time they have become very good at helping those who become victims, they can speak to the issues of human trafficking with facility but what is really concerning is that there are more and more victims in need of help and this constant need mitigates TKs ability to affect the numbers that are becoming trafficked. The numbers are on the increase and some of this is down to authorities (and governments) that stigmatise victims or survivors, police that collude, poor legal support for victims, too few prosecutions and the utter fear that is instilled in the victims by the traffickers. In many countries where TK is working, we heard again and again of the uphill battle that the Sisters face when corrupt systems collude to thwart their efforts. “Too often, the trafficker is protected by politics.” Staying power is what is required! The Sisters also know that to some extent that they are respected and that this can be of use when leveraging the freedom of a victim from the clutches of a trafficker.

In all of what we heard and learned over the course of the week’s Assembly there was one lesson that resounded, that there are layers that we cannot touch or reach and in accepting this we must remember to leave space for God to work and to trust in the slow work of the Lord. When what happens isn’t as we planned or hoped for, we need the spiritual strength to persist and in accepting this we begin to network with a new authority.

And what of advocacy, as a tool for change? We listened to youth ambassadors tell us that “hope is not a strategy and that efforts to tackle human trafficking need to be more than aspirational.” “Hope can be the force that compels us into action.” “The solutions to some of the most intractable of problems can be found when we create wider circular tables to include every caste, class and religion.” And so many are now sure that “every survivor can contribute to ending Human Trafficking.” “Protecting and praying in a time of crisis is ‘doing’ and ‘acting’ for change.” “We must continue to build the trust that we all feel is breaking.”

Such is the wisdom that inspires the final declaration that we were reminded that “it is not enough that you love the victims and survivors, they must know that you love them.” Empowering women and girls, gives way to empowering a generation. Those empowered contribute positively to both family and society.  Such was the sincerity of all attending that it was felt that, “when we share a breath, we are family”

The youth at the Assembly were vocal, articulate and measured. Their message rings loudly after the Assembly is over when they told us. “The youth are today, they are now, tomorrow is too late.” Such was their welcome presence at the Assembly that they have been recognised as champions of change.”

Sr. Pat Murray, Executive Director of Talitha Kum was one of the final speakers to the gathered delegates and she urged us all to “make Human Trafficking a key ministry for this century.” She also told us that every single action counts, never mind how small it is. It matters! “We are being called and pushed to find new ways to combat Human Trafficking.”

The final declaration sets out our collective plan for the next 5 years and it is a living document that urges us to “listen carefully to the whispering cries of the victims of human trafficking and to run to their aid.” The message is clear: just put “one foot in front of the other, even when the road ahead isn’t visible.”

To take the free course on Migration you need to email, rete.migranti@uisg.org and they will facilitate your request.

Photo – The African Delegates at the Talitha Kum Assembly.

“I have never felt so safe as I do in this room”.

These heart-breaking words, spoken by a survivor, for me, and for many others have had a deep and significant impact. In one session at the Talitha Kum Assembly, we were spoken to by a number of survivors (indeed many prefer now to be referred to as thrivers) who spoke so movingly of their experiences whilst being trafficked and enslaved. The Final Assembly Declaration is reflective of their significant input where we can see that Talitha Kum (TK) is being called: “to be more intentionally survivor-centred, survivor-informed, and trauma-sensitive – listening to their stories, consulting them in decision-making processes and putting them at the heart of our networks.”

Amani, (not her real name) told us that despite being free, everywhere she goes can be a trigger. Amani was born into a “beautiful slum” in Nairobi that teaches a resilience that she says was a necessary strength to come through her experiences with a confidence and a resolve to work to ensure that others will not be treated as she has been. Amani, is clear, “to solve the problems of human trafficking in a better way we need hope, passion and lots of compassion.”

Amani explained that she had been gang raped by four men who told her that her school days were over and so she hid her intelligence. She told us: “I didn’t think that I deserved to be here (at the TK Assembly)”, “I was reminded that I too needed compassion.”  Amani, was married by 19 and lost her first child to violence and “yet I stayed”, she told us. “The violence never stops.” And of her attendance at the TK Assembly, she said, “I have never felt so safe in my whole life. I have never felt such hope.” Amani told us that “minds like mine never have silence” and from her heart she begged Talitha Kum to “keep this conversation going.” 

Amani told us that the reality for most survivors is that they are rarely believed, they are a growing number, but for the most part unfunded and unrecognised. They believe that they are a reminder of a country’s dirty secret and because of this, they are to be hushed and pushed back into a darkened corner. “They don’t find survivors work”, “they don’t see survivors work.” Amani confidently urged those attending delegates “not to forget the grassroots women” and reminded us with her powerful intervention that SURVIVORS can shift the conversation. 

When Amani had finished, the entire room was in tears and she sat down while we stood up in appreciation, in awe of her strength and confidence, in solidarity with her requests and out of respect, empathy and compassion. Amani was smiling at the appreciation and the standing ovation. Back in our groups we began our Synodal conversation in the Spirit where those in our group offered that we must “stand strong as a prophet”, “be unafraid” and that we are being called to “challenge and face the consequences, and that for love we must take the risk.” 

In one of the final sessions of the Talitha Kum Assembly, Amani was part of a panel to assess what exactly is Talitha Kum’s strength and to offer some reflection of her attendance at this Assembly. Once again, Amani spoke with confidence from her heart and her experience. “We are not starting from scratch.” “My voice is found in this final draft.” “I am affirmed.” “I will sit at that table at the UN and I will not be ashamed to be a survivor.” “One day Kenya will have a president who will be a survivor.” “Talitha Kum, has created a platform for survivors.” “Do not stop with me or with the next girl you meet.” “I will repeat what I have said before: For the longest time in my life, I have never felt so safe as I do now” – Talitha Kum – DO NOT STOP!

Once again, the delegates and attendees including the technical staff rose to their feet to appreciate Amani’s confident, insightful intervention and this time Amani sat in tears knowing that as a “Thriver” she will be the best example to those marked by Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. 

(On Thursday morning we had been scheduled to meet with Pope Francis, and this was to be a quiet highlight for many of us and we were indeed disappointed when this visit was cancelled given that there were so many unwell attending the Assembly. But my disappointment was far outweighed by my encounters with the survivors. How privileged am I! I met Amani!) 

(Amani is not her real name and she is not in the photo above). 

Brian O’ Toole. 

RENATE Law Task Group. 

Date + Time: Wednesday 19 June 2024, 6pm – 7pm BST

Price: €14,97 Tax included

Click here to purchase a ticket to attend

Join the Tablet team for this webinar as we bring to light the new threads of understanding emerging in the mission against human trafficking and new trends initiated to combat this crime

Your speakers for this event will be:

‘Sister Imelda Poole, IBVM is a British citizen on mission in Albania.  She was the former President of RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation) and continues to address the root causes of Human Trafficking in Albania and across Europe in the most vulnerable communities.’

Bill Woolf is a former federal task force officer and Director of Human Trafficking Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice. He has dedicated his personal and professional life to combatting trafficking in persons.

Dr Carole Murphy, is the Director of the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse at St Mary’s University Twickenham. Her research focuses on survivor care and support, and training for practitioners.

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On 23 May 2024, the second annual SATA awards event (Sisters’ Anti–Trafficking Awards) took place at the Augustinianum, in Rome, following the conclusion of the 2^nd General Assembly of Talitha Kum, which began 18 May last.

Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, newly appointed UISG President and Ms. Delia Gallagher, Vatican journalist and moderator of the ceremony, welcomed all present.

Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj, Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, delivered the keynote speech.

In her address, Sr. Nathalie highlighted the characteristics of sisters’ work, which reflect perfectly the synodal path.

The following three guest speakers briefly shared about their work to combat human trafficking: Mary Mugo, an Anti-Trafficking Youth Ambassador from Kenya; Nasreen Sheikh, a widely-respected advocate for survivors, and Kevin Hyland, the former first UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to three religious sisters who have demonstrated exceptional courage, creativity, collaboration and achievement in the protection of their communities from human trafficking, namely:

1. Sr. Grasy Luisa Rodrigues FDCC from India received the Common Good Award from the Arise Founding President, John Studzinski CBE.
2. Sr Anne Victory HM from the USA & The Alliance to End Human Trafficking, received the Servant Leadership Award from the #UISG President, Sr. Mary Barron, OLA.
3. Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf RGS from Lebanon received the Human Dignity Award, announced by Associate Vice President of Program Operations at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Ph.D.

As part of the ceremony, short video recordings gave glimpses of each recipient’s mission. And in the coming days, the UISG will share documentaries showcasing the important work of each laureate.

Photo credits: Stefano Dal Pozzolo

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Arise

#SATAs2024

RENATE MEMBER BRIAN O’TOOLE’S REFLECTIONS ON ATTENDING SATA AWARDS

On Thursday May 23^rd last, I was privileged to attend the SATA  Awards in the Augustinianum in Rome with a gathered audience of approximately 200, and far more attending online. The names of the three laureates were being kept as a closely guarded secret. We had been informed that the three had been selected from a list of over 120 nominations from around the world. The event was organised by Arise Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the UISG and the prizes awarded were not insignificant either. Apart from the symbolic trophy and the beautifully crafted scarf, there was the matter of the $20,000 that was offered to each of the winners to put to their own work against Human Trafficking. 

Mary Mugo, an anti-trafficking youth ambassador, spoke first and told us that “you can order a woman quicker than you can order a pizza”, as she urged us all to become the change we want to see in the world.  Nasreen Sheikh, a widely respected advocate for survivors spoke from lived experience, offering a hope that, “survivors have a vision, a solution, for their most prized gift, the next generation.” Her strong words echoed and resonated loudly in this hallowed chamber, “This, (MSHT) is a genocide embedded in our economic system.  MSHT is a moral pain in every facet of our world.” She then implored all who gathered: “Let us ensure that in our collective future, that each child has the chance to emerge as a wonder for all.” 

Kevin Hyland, OBE and author of SDG 8.7, explained that many of the Sisters have been deeply involved in combating MSHT and indeed many have been involved for centuries. He articulated the work of the Sisters so well when he said that “lives can be changed, and dignity restored, when families are rescued.” Kevin, gave a uniquely practical example of the power of the networking capabilities of the Sisters when he was facing a court without a witness. The Sisters were able to solve this issue, where others would have definitely failed. “Their, (the Sisters) work on the ground and at the frontline is unmatched.” And Kevin left us with a very real final word, “When I get to go home I go to a place of safety but when the sisters go home it may well be to a place where there is no safety.” 

Sr. Grasy Luisa Rodrigues FDCC from India received the Common Good Award for her unstinting courage in the face of real threat when rescuing girls from the grips of criminals. Her work is described as “inspiring work of the Holy Spirit which is transformational.”  Like all the other recipients, Sr Grasy explained that “I cannot do it alone! I need God and others in my community. We are working together to reply to the call which God has given us. Friends, I am unworthy of the awards bestowed upon me, but it reflects the efforts of so many who collaborate in our Mission. We see and value the inherent dignity of all human beings. St. Josephine Bakhita, our universal Sister… it is your turn now to work for victims of human trafficking.”

The Servant Leadership Award was presented to Sr. Anne Victory HM from the USA.
Sr. Anne built networks with a vision, championing best resources with courage in abundance and reminded us that in our everyday lives we are touched by MSHT, but that we must be alert and notice this to be able to make a collective response to combat all forms of MSHT. 

The Human Dignity Award, went to Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf RGS from Lebanon and this got a really loud cheer (there was even a whistle!) from the auditorium as we at the Talitha Kum Assembly had the privilege of working during the week with Sr. Marie Claude who made regular interventions and comments during our gathering. Sr. Marie Claude is so small in stature that when she stood behind the podium to accept her award, she just couldn’t be seen. The irony was not lost on the audience either, who could recognise a huge contribution that was spearheaded by such a petite Sister. 

Each of the Sisters were shown a short video of their work, specially prepared for this event, which was shown to all who attended. The overriding message that came from these awards is that there are so many heroes and advocates who have shown us the power of being present with those furthest behind as they reminded us that in order to be of help we must reach those furthest behind first, underpinning the SDGs principle of leaving no one behind. 

At my own table, I heard a throwaway remark that I followed up later when a Sister explained that she was challenged by a criminal when she found that he had “stolen” a child to be trafficked into “sex work”. She searched him out and found him and demanded that he hand over the girl. She involved the police, who helped up to a point. Corruption allows the trafficker to continue with a certain degree of impunity. This trafficker threatened her life and the lives of her family, but she persisted and won out to save the girl from the most difficult of futures. This Sister still speaks occasionally to the Trafficker as such engagement can lead to change which is what she wants despite the fear he can and does from time to time still instil. I would have happily given her an award for this quiet but hugely important service but she shrugs it off. 

The SATA awards are a beacon, a light that shines on perhaps the most insidious of crimes taking the side of those most affected. For each victim of Human Trafficking there is a significant and impactful hurt that lives on in the next generation and the generation after that. We heard but a few stories of bravery, witness, accompaniment, presence, courage and resolve. There are so many, many more, thanks be to God.  

Brian O’ Toole