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2022 Assembly

 

Category: Latest News

Posted on February 22nd, 2019 By

The Society of Jesus announces four new Universal Apostolic Preferences- all of which strike a chord with those who work to end Human Trafficking and Exploitation 19 February 2019.

 

Much food for thought as the Society of Jesus announce four new Universal Apostolic Preferences:

  1. Promoting Discernment and the Spiritual Exercises – Accompany people as they discern complex choices. Read more: https://jesuits.global/en/uap/discernment-and-the-spiritual-exercises
  2. Walking with the Excluded- Walking alongside the poor, the vulnerable, the excluded and those whom society consider worthless, in a mission of reconciliation and justice. Read more https://jesuits.global/en/uap/walking-with-the-excluded
  3. Caring for our Common Home – Work with Gospel depth for the protection and renewal of God’s creation. Read more https://jesuits.global/en/uap/caring-for-our-common-home
  4. Journeying with Youth – Accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future. Read more https://jesuits.global/en/uap/journeying-with-youth

 Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

 

Posted on February 22nd, 2019 By

Wake up call to us as the UK probe slave labour fueling the fashion industry.

 

The advent of fast fashion, with consumers buying and quickly binning cheap clothes, has exacerbated the risk of forced labour in global supply chains as factories come under ever greater pressure from leading brands, according to activists targeting companies that do not monitor their supply chains for unfair employment practices and forced labour.

Sonia Elk’s article on the Fashion sector for Thomson Reuters (21 February, 2019) is a wake-up call to all of us as Spring/Summer fashions flood our shops and we fall into the trap of stockpiling latest fashion at the cheapest cost possible.

With membership across the Continent of Europe and beyond, RENATE members can make a difference through conscious shopping and not succumbing to the demands for cheap goods.

Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

 

Posted on February 15th, 2019 By
Posted on February 15th, 2019 By

Special meeting with GRETA Members – Paris, 12 February 2019.

 

From the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), which monitors the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in countries that have ratified the Convention.

“A delegation from GRETA travelled to Paris on 11 and 12 February 2019 for high-level meetings with the French authorities. These exchanges are part of the monitoring of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and aim to better understand the progress made following the GRETA report and in response to Recommendation CP (2017) 28 of the Committee of the Parties. In particular, the interviews will be an opportunity to raise some of the concerns that may have been caused by the delays in the development of the new National Action Plan, the concerns that the fight against trafficking in human beings does not appear as having the priority required to ensure its effectiveness, as well as the effects on victims of trafficking of the new asylum and immigration law.

Having taken cognizance of several communiqués and statements of associations in this direction, GRETA wishes to benefit from the perspective of civil society on these various points and invites you to a meeting on February 12 from 15:00 to 17:30 at the offices of the Council of Europe. At 55 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris. The meeting is held in French.

The GRETA delegation is composed of:

  • Frédéric Kurtz, GRETA’s first interim vice-president;
  • Dorothea Winkler, member of GRETA;
  • Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
  • Evgenia Giakoumopoulou, Administrator at the Secretariat of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.”

With members of the Collective against Trafficking, and Representatives of a Trade Union (CGT), we present to the GRETA Members our action against THB in France, and our fears because it seems that nothing is done in our country against THB… except the work of Associations!

We focused on three main points:

  1. The delay to launch the National Plan of Action (last one ended in 2016). Lack of meetings with us (Collective and Unions), lack of statistics. All THB must be mentioned, not only sexual exploitation.
  2. Asylum and migration law and its consequences on THB. Complexity is increasing, centers and shelters are too few, and people are highly at risk of THB.
  3. Minors: Identify them is a problem, then protection (Art 26 of the Convention of the Council of Europe) and appropriate shelters.

GRETA delegates listened very carefully to what has been said. They ask for examples of some difficulty (with police, justice…) to be sent to them to underpin their report/ Press release.

 

Posted on February 15th, 2019 By

The networks of sin and the networks of prayer A conference on human trafficking and forced prostitution- SOLWODI Hungary, on the occasion of the International Day of Awareness and Prayer against Human Trafficking, 8 February 2019.

 

On the 8th of February 2019, with the participation of H.E Michael August Blume Nuncio, H.E Ferenc Cserháti, the Bishop of Hungarians living abroad, Rev. Elemér Vízi SJ, the Hungarian Jesuit Provincial, a conference and prayer event took place in Budapest, in the House of Dialogue. It was organized by the SOLWODI Hungary Association and the House of Dialogue, the Jesuit Spiritual and Cultural Centre.

Since 2015 the Hungarian religious sisters have organized the prayer event in the Jesuit Church, calling all to join in prayer for the victims of HT on the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita.

Father Szabolcs Sajgó SJ, Director of the House of Dialogue, was the moderator of the programme, having initiated the inaugural meeting at this venue by the sisters of SOLWODI Hungary in 2018. In his opening speech,  H.E Michael August Blume Nuncio echoed the pope’s call addressed to all of us: to welcome the victims of violence. The example of St. Bakhita is very powerful witness of God’s healing love.

H.E. Michael August Blume SVD Nuntio

Ms. Ágnes Németh, a police colonel, gave a talk entitled: Human trafficking in Hungary, possible ways of collaboration between the Police and the Church. On the one hand she clarified the key notions and concepts of Human Trafficking; on the other hand,  Ms. Németh offered some possible ways of cooperation for the Church. She emphasised the awareness-raising and prevention programmes and the welcoming presence of the Church people and communities could offer a great help for the victims.

Ms. Ágnes Németh, a police colonel

Sr. Gabriella Legrádi SCSC, president of SOLWODI Hungary Association began with a very touching personal experience of how had she met a trafficked woman. Then she  presented the short history of the Association.

Sr. Judit Knab CJ spoke about the Associations’s activites: awareness raising workshops for Church people, networking and prevention. She underlined the specific strength of the organization: the members believe in the power of the prayer – network and also are connected to different international religious networks against Human Trafficking.

Sr. Gabriella Legrádi SCSC, president of SOLWODI Hungary Association

After a short coffee-break, a round table discussion followed with the participation of Ms. Ágnes Németh, Katalin Radics and Sr. Gabriella Mézinger SJC – both founders of SOLWODI Hungary.

The event concluded with Holy Mass which was celebrated in the Jesuit Church.

https://www.magyarkurir.hu/hirek/a-bun-es-az-ima-halozatai-konferencia-az-emberkereskedelemrol-es-kenyszerprostitucior

Photo: Merényi Zita

Text: Kiss Péter/Magyar Kurír.

Translation; RENATE member Sr. Gabriella Mézinger.

 

 

Posted on February 15th, 2019 By

URAT network Prayer Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tirana, Albania – 8 February 2019 International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.

 

On 8 February 2019, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, St. Bakhita Day, the URAT Network in Albania, with the support of the Archbishop of the Diocese of Tirana-Durres, organized a special prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Tirana.

This event gathered all those who work in the anti-trafficking field in Albania. Among those present were Imelda Poole MWL, Ms. Brikena Puka, Vatra Psycho – Social Centre; Mrs. Syrie Pepa, Erion Prendi SHKEJI Organization; Ms. Ana Majko, ARSIS Initiatives; Different and Equal; Don Marjam Lumci; United Response Against Trafficking (URAT) Albania and RENATE.

Many thanks to all who made this evening a success: Ana Stakaj with MWL who facilitated the service on behalf of URAT; Erion Prendi from SHKEJ, chair of URAT, who coordinated the presentation; Gazi Memaj who organized the beautiful music; and Genc Gjoci who works with MWL and coordinated the youth presentations during the event.We prayed together for the victims of trafficking, we made calls to stop this action and lit candles for the victims. Two short films were also shown, one of Pope Francis speaking about the fight against human trafficking in the world and the other a performance of a song called: ‘Inside so Strong’,  sung by the girls of Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham, UK, and dedicated to the victims of Human Trafficking, a song of hope and strength.

http://www.albaniahope.com/anti-people-trafficking/february-8th-2019-bakhita-day-prayer-vigil-together-against-human-trafficking/

 

Posted on February 8th, 2019 By

Organized events from RENATE members in honour of St. Bakhita Day, 8th of February 2019: International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

 

St Bakhita Day in Albania,  8th of February 2019.

From Albania, we have news of a number of events which are organised. Of particular note is the Prayer Vigil on 8 February, based on the theme ‘’Together against human Trafficking.’’

The Vigil will see the collective strengths of all those who work in the anti-trafficking field in Albania. It includes Mrs. Rovena Voda, Anti-trafficking Coordinator / Ministry of Interior; Ms. Brikena Puka, Vatra Centre;  Mr. Alfred Matoshi, The Men’s Shed; Mrs. Syrie Pepa, Different and Equal; Ms. Ana Majko, ARSIS Initiatives; a message of solidarity from the Honorable Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones; United Response Against Trafficking (URAT) Albania; RENATE;  Don Marjam Lumci and the Deputy Ambassador of OSCE, Mr. Robert Wilton. The text of the Prayer service is included below.

Prayer Vigil “Together against Human Trafficking!” 8 February 2019, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tirana, Albania.

Click here for more.

St Bakhita Day in Hungary,  8th of February 2019.

On the occasion of St. Bakhita Day in Budapest, H.E. Revd. Michael August Blume, svd, Papal Nuncio to Hungary, will open a Prayer Service jointly organised by the Religious sisters and colleagues at SOLWODI Hungary and their brothers from the local Jesuit community.  RENATE member Gabriella Legradi sends us a Flier of the Prayer service as attached.

Following the opening prayers by the Nuncio, a policewoman from Máriabesnyő will speak about the crime of Human Trafficking and its impact not only on the victims, but also on their families, the local community and wider society.

It will be an opportunity to share about the Solwodi Association in general and the collaborative work undertaken to combat Human Trafficking and support survivors.

The prayer service will conclude with some time for quiet reflection and private prayer, followed by Holy Mass.

You can see the link on the website following the service.

 

The Ayme, a weekly resource sheet produced by Loreto Ministries for use in schools and associated ministries throughout Australia and South-East Asia.

It is primarily a resource for staff who are then invited to adapt material for members of their community.

Please click here to read it.

 

St Bakhita Day in France,  8th of February 2019.

Popes Intentions for 8 February 2019 – from RENATE France blog.

Reflection on the 8 February 2019- by Sr. Begona Inarra & Sr. Marie Helene Halligon. RENATE France blog. 

“Let is shine a light on 8 February yo remember trafficked victims and survivors,” Blog from RENATE France, composed by Sr. Begona Inarra & Sr. Marie Helene Halligon.

 

St Bakhita Day in Italy,  8th of February 2019.

Posted on February 8th, 2019 By

From Ireland, RENATE members Eilis Coe, rsc and Mary Ryan, rsm, share news of the plans which APT Ireland (Act to Prevent Trafficking) to mark the International day of Awareness and Prayer against Human Trafficking, 8 February 2019.

 

 

APT have planned a national awareness-raising one-day conference to take place on 1 March, at the Atrium, Department of Justice and Equality and have secured Mr. Kevin Hyland, OBE, former UK anti-Slavery Commissioner as the key note speaker. Guest speakers on the day include Ms. Noelene Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre; Ms. Sheila Crowley, services Manager at RUHAMA and JP O’ Sullivan, MECPATHS. A number of Transition Year students and their teachers will present on the teaching and learning about the topic of Human Trafficking, at Post-Primary school level.

A report on the event will be available post 1 March next.

Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

Posted on February 7th, 2019 By
Posted on February 1st, 2019 By

Feast Day 8 February 2019: International Day of Prayer and Awareness against human trafficking. “TOGETHER against human trafficking”.

 

On February 8, 2019 let’s turn on a light against the trafficking of persons, to celebrate the 5th edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against human trafficking that this year will have as its theme: “TOGETHER against human trafficking”.

The first edition of the IDPT was celebrated on February 8, 2015, by the will of Pope Francis, who in 2014 entrusted the International Union of Superiors and Superiors General (UISG / USG) with promoting this day.
In these years, gathering in prayer has facilitated collaborating and overcoming the boundaries within which we operate, dedicated to our projects that, although very important, could lead us to cut ourselves off from the others. The great tragedy of trafficking urges us to overcome every barrier to join forces and collaborate for the common good.
On February 12th 2018, Pope Francis received a group of young people and representatives of the organizations sponsoring the International Day of Prayer. On this occasion he donated a very beautiful prayer that can be downloaded, into many different languages, from TALITHA KUM Website. Urged by the questions of the young participants, Pope Francis recalled how important it is to tackle the root causes of trafficking and wished “that all of you can send a message to leaders at every level of governments, business and society, to demand access to quality education and, consequently, fair and sustainable employment.”
This requires us to coordinate our actions and unite our strengths. “Together against human trafficking” is the invitation addressed to everyone, each according to their own possibilities.

 

Feast Day 8 February 

St Josephine Bakhita, also known as ‘Mother Moretta’ (our Black Mother) bore 144 physical scars throughout her life which were received after she was kidnapped at the age of nine and sold into slavery.

Born c. 1869 in Olgossa, Darfur, Sudan
Died 8 February 1947, Italy
Year of beatification 1992 (17 May)
Year of canonisation 2000 (1 October)

Such was the trauma experienced that she forgot her birth name and her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita meaning ‘fortunate’. Flogging and maltreatment were part of her daily life. She experienced the moral and physical humiliations associated with slavery. It was only in 1882 that her suffering was alleviated after she was bought for the Italian Consul. This event was to transform her life. In this family and, subsequently in a second Italian home, she received from her masters, kindness, respect, peace and joy. Josephine came to discover love in a profound way even though at first she was unable to name its source. A change in her owner’s circumstances meant that she was entrusted to the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. It was there that Bakhita came to know about God whom, ‘she had experienced in her heart without knowing who He was’ since she was a child. She was received into the Catholic Church in 1890, joining the sisters and making final profession in 1896. The next fifty years of her life were spent witnessing to God’s love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. When she was on door duty, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who attended the nearby school and caress them. Her voice was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering. She was a source of encouragement. Her constant smile won people’s hearts, as did her humility and simplicity. As she grew older she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. When visited and asked how she was, she’d respond: ‘As the Master desires’. During her last days she relived the painful days of her slavery and more than once begged: ‘Please, loosen the chains… they are heavy!’. Surrounded by the sisters, she died on 8 February 1947.

 

 

Stop Human Trafficking | Pray for Trafficked Persons