The Collectif ‘’Together against trafficking in human beings, ‘’ is a network created in France, in the hope of a more effective fight against all forms of this denial of human rights.

Created by Secours Catholique in 2007, the Collectif brings together 28 French associations, directly or indirectly involved with victims in France or in the countries of transit and origin of human trafficking.

The Collectif has recently published ‘’Invisible Children/ an Unpunished Crime: Take Action against Exploitation and Trafficking,’’ Action research conducted in Europe and the Middle East.

The action research was carried out under the supervision of Geneviève Colas, Secours Catholique-Caritas France.
Cecile Polivka was responsible for both the research and writing, thanks to the contribution of national Caritas from:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Slovakia, Ukraine

For more information about the research : http://contrelatraite.org/recherche-action

For more general information about the Collectif: http://contrelatraite.org/index.php/le-collectif

For full 92 pages of the research:  http://contrelatraite.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/brochure_recherche-action_gb.pdf

29 September 2019.

In the message of his Holiness Pope Francis for the 105^th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis highlights his repeated and explicit calls of concern for migrants and refugees, should be understood as being integral to his deep concern for all of humanity.

His message aims to convey to us how deeply involved  ‘’as Christian communities and societies we are and that we are all called to respond and to reflect how our faith and commitments are engaged in responding to vulnerable people on the move.

In an increasingly globalised world, where migrants, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking have become emblems of exclusion, Pope Francis reminds us that each encounter with the other, is an encounter with Christ and in extending the hand of love, friendship, assistance and support to the most vulnerable, we are extending our hands to Christ.

Full text at:   

Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

Introduction to summary of Order of Malta Symposium ‘’How to better fight, together, the sexual trafficking of women in West Africa and to support their rehabilitation, ’’ held Tuesday, October 8, 2019 Ordre de Malte France Paris, France.

As an actor mobilized on the ground and strongly committed to preserving human dignity, the Sovereign Order of Malta wishes to intensify its action to prevent and fight trafficking in human beings. 

Aimed to strengthen synergies, partnerships and alliances between the various regional and international agencies and organizations, local non-governmental organizations and civil society, including local faith-based organizations, the Sovereign Order of Malta, through its two anti-trafficking ambassadors in Geneva (Michel Veuthey) and Lagos, Nigeria (Romain de Villeneuve), organized this symposium to discuss the issue of the sexual exploitation of young women in West Africa, particularly Nigerian women victims of trafficking. 

This conference had two specific objectives: 

1). Strengthen relations between the different actors involved in the fight against trafficking;

2). Continue to elaborate and implement solutions identified with the help of experts.

Methodologies throughout the Symposium comprised presentations, discussions, Q & A session and Round table discussions, which were conducive to rich sharing and great learning.

Mr Romain de Villeneuve, Ambassador of the Order of Malta in charge of the problem of trafficking in human beings in Africa introduced the Symposium and Round tables were moderated by Mrs Geneviève Colas, Coordinator of the Collective “  Ensemble contre la traite des êtres humains  ” (“Together against human trafficking”) in France, for the Secours Catholique (Caritas France).

The summary document covers the following:

-Testimony of Miss Dore Ayiri Tessy, Trafficking survivor, taken care of by the Bakhita Shelter in Lagos, Nigeria.

– Key elements on the problem of trafficking in Edo State in Nigeria and the means implemented to address it (Nigerian representative of Edo State currently being confirmed).

– A positive example of cooperation between France and Nigeria: Prevention and Study Ms. Aurélie Jeannerod, Project Manager Trafficking in Human Beings –  Advocacy, ECPAT- France.

– The fight against trafficking networks and the obligations of legislators, investigators and judicial authorities Mr Nicolas Le Coz, Former Chairman of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA).

-Identification and protection in Belgium: an example of collaboration between magistrates, police officers and civil society  Mr Charles-Eric Clesse, King’s Prosecutor, Professor at the Free University of Brussels (ULB)

– Assessing of the victim protection mechanisms by the French Authorities Mrs Elisabeth Moiron-Braud, Secretary-General of the Inter-ministerial Mission for the Protection of Women against Violence and the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings (MIPROF)..

– Victim care in France: the challenges of escaping the trafficking network  Mrs. Vanessa Simoni, Friends of the Women’s Bus.

– Sheltering trafficking victims in France  Ms. Federica Marengo, Coordinator of the National System for the Reception and Protection of Victims of Trafficking – AcSé.

-Presentation of a shelter for victims in Switzerland  Anne-Marie von Arx-Vernon, Psychologist and expert in fighting human trafficking and violence against women.

– Reception and protection of victims upon their return to Nigeria  Sister Patricia – Bakhita Home  Mr. Luke de Pulford – Arise Foundation.

– The challenges of reintegrating victims into society  Ms. Céline Huard, Psychologist at the AFJ Home in Paris   Ms. Diana Nwakanma, Rehabilitation consultant for victims returning to Nigeria.

End.

Migration has always been with us. From time immemorial, people have moved in search of new opportunities and better lives. Climate change, demographics, instability, growing inequalities and aspirations for a better life – as well as unmet needs in labour markets – mean it is here to stay. The answer is effective international cooperation in managing migration to ensure that its benefits are most widely distributed, and that the human rights of all concerned are properly protected.’ António Guterres, UN Secretary General.

A useful video has been made by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, highlighting the issue of modern slavery and migration as smugglers  look to capitalise on the ever-increasing numbers displaced in modern times. This is a valuable resource which can be deployed in any setting, for awareness-raising, advocacy and campaigning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=ytQwNa8zApk

Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.