In an effort to quantify the actual numbers caught up in Modern Slavery in the UK, Sir Bernard Silverman applies a mathematical model based on data-analytics and comes up with more realistic but frightening figures.
To learn more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDdCSAArIxU.
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
In early January 2019, Rome Reports ran a feature on the work of RENATE, entitled ‘’Human Trafficking: No law is really on the side of the victim.’’ The feature was screened nationally and internationally via the web, thereby raising awareness about Human Trafficking and ensuring informed action is taken to prevent and combat Human Trafficking.
The interview with Imelda Poole, IBVM, President RENATE Europe, is available at:
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
PROVINCE WEEKLY: Happy Mary Ward week! Celebrate and enjoy a woman who did much.
Let us give thanks for the light those before us have been to their world and may we continue to be light for others and receive the gift of their light for us.
A Funny Thing happened on the way to the station . . .
This account begins and ends at the railway station. Setting out early on the morning of Mary Ward’s birthday I wandered into the newspaper cabin at Altrincham station. For a couple of minutes the newsagent and I engaged in an infinite deal of nothing about Brexit. Eventually I told him, sheepishly, that I was going to Westminster myself that morning. He asked me why I was going and I told him that I was going to a meeting. He asked me what the meeting was about and I said, ‘Anti-trafficking’… Please click for more.
RENATE was launched in 2009 by a small group of Religious from across Europe, who fulfilled the task to constitute the Foundation in The Netherlands as a non-profit NGO, under the Umbrella of the International Organisation, Talitha Kum, a network of networks across the world of Religious and co-workers founded in Rome by the major Religious Superiors conference. As with all these other continental networks, RENATE constitutes a network of religious and co-workers from 31 European countries who all have the common mission of working against Human Trafficking. It is a most extraordinary and huge body of women and men who have the enormous capacity to act fast and with compassion and loving care across borders, right across the world:
Working tirelessly to rehabilitate victims, free the world of labour exploitation, slavery and forced organ harvesting.
Every member is connected at grass roots with many other networks and partners which involve local National Referral Mechanisms, governments, police, many other statutory and non- statutory services.
Story: a. Greece and rescue cross border from back of website via Italy, b. illegal agencies/passport/police company and labour trafficking of young Philipino in Albania, c. Cardiff and 4 Albanian girls – linking with welsh anti trafficking groups, Kevin Hyland for advise all forming new partnerships and extending the networks from the North to the south of this country within one weekend, last weekend.
Communication is at the heart of the work but communication is only effective when the communication comes from a heart filled with compassion and love. Listening with this understanding is a response in love. This leads to generative listening when we are listening with the desire to understand with such compassion that we can hear the story, the new insights being born. This will lead to change of law, change of attitude to the crime and the victim. It will be based on a deeper commitment to justice leading to just action for the protection of the victim and just action dealt out to the perpetrators. We cannot deny the truth when we really hear it so it hurts.
Invite all Parliamentarians to stand, then all RENATE members to stand. Invite them to listen to one another, invite the parliamentarians to listen to those working at the grass roots.
Imelda Poole, IBVM, President RENATE Europe.
One hundred guests joined RENATE members at a parliamentary reception in the Churchill Room in the House of Commons on 23 January 2019. Thanks to the ARISE Foundation for their support in sponsoring the event as former Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Trustee member of the ARISE Foundation, Rt Hon Lord Hogan-Howe welcomed all present and set the context for the afternoon which saw contributions from Mr. Iain Duncan-Smith MP, Commons sponsor of the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill; Mrs. Maria Miller MP, co-chair of the Independent Review into the 2015 Modern Slavery Act; Revd Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford, lead researcher of the Mapping exercise and Imelda Poole, IBVM, MBE, RENATE President.
There were two purposes to the reception. First, to help close the gap between frontline antislavery groups throughout Europe and lawmakers by bringing the two together. Second, to launch new research commissioned by RENATE Europe, undertaken by Revd Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford, Director, Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking (CCARHT) and Research Associate with the Centre for Global Migration (Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge), with assistance from desk-researchers and RENATE members in the field. (www.ccarht.org and carrie@ccarht.org ).
The researchers behind the report undertook painstaking work in seven European countries (Albania, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Slovakia, The Netherlands and Ukraine), setting out to document and analyse responses to the problem of child trafficking. Its findings are a wake- up call. The report authors conclude:
“…in none of the countries studied were the measures of protection comprehensively adequate to the special needs of unaccompanied minor migrants.’’
Lord Hogan-Howe, trustee of anti-slavery charity and co-sponsor of the event, the Arise Foundation said:
“I am delighted to play a part in bringing the voice of frontline anti-slavery activists to parliament. Westminster can be a bubble, and this often brings about a disconnect between what is happening on the ground and what policy-makers are discussing. Modern slave traders are organised criminals. They quickly and cleverly adapt their methods. We need frontline intelligence on the true picture of what slavery looks like, not just for our benefit, but to raise awareness among the general public who often feel far removed from the world of slavery, but in reality, are not. I commend the superb work of RENATE in bringing this invaluable knowledge to the fore.”
Mrs. Maria Miller, gave an overview of the review of the Modern Slavery Act and her commitment to continued provision of legislation in order to combat and end the crime of Human Trafficking. RENATE members were particularly affirmed and encouraged by her statement that ‘’You only really tackle the complex problems associated with Modern Slavery, by working with organisations such as RENATE. You are an encouragement to us all.’’
Mr. Iain Duncan Smith spoke about the complexity of the issue of Human Trafficking and commended the RENATE network for placing a spotlight on the issue and its outstanding work in the field.
Sr Imelda Poole, IBVM, MBE, founding member of RENATE said:
Please click here to download the RENATE Mapping Exercise Child Trafficking in Europe.
Photo gallery available at:
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
Lord Hogan Howe hosts a reception at the Churchill Room, House of Commons, in recognition of the publication of a Mapping Exercise on Child Trafficking in Europe.
Revd Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford, Executive Director of CCARHT, Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking (www.ccarht.org) together with desk researchers and RENATE members working on anti-human trafficking initiatives in the field, have explored the extent of information available on Child Trafficking in 7 European Countries- Albania, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Slovakia, The Netherlands and Ukraine.
Its findings are a wake-up call, with the authors concluding “… in none of the countries studied, were the measures of protection comprehensively adequate to the special needs of unaccompanied minors.”
More at: renate-europe.net post the launch.
The Migrants and Refugee Section (M & R) at the Vatican invites everyone to engage vigorously in learning, communication and action about preventing and healing Human Trafficking, nourished by reflection, prayer, and the teachings of Pope Francis.
Established by Pope Francis and under his direct guidance, the Migrant and Refugee section began functioning on 1 January 2017.
Tasked with addressing Human Trafficking as well as migrant and refugee matters, its mission is to assist the Bishops of the Catholic Church and all those serving these vulnerable groups.
To address the trafficking and enslavement of human beings, during 2018 M&R held two consultations with Church leaders, scholars and experienced practitioners and partner organizations working in the field. Participants exchanged experiences and viewpoints, addressing relevant aspects of the phenomenon. The Church’s full response was considered, in terms of strengths, weaknesses, pastoral and political opportunities as well as enhanced coordination worldwide.
This six-months process resulted in the present Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking, approved by the Holy Father and meant to orient the work of the M&R Section and its partners. It is the purpose of the Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking to provide a reading of Human Trafficking and an understanding that motivate and sustain the much-needed long-term struggle.
The Orientations are for use by Catholic dioceses, parishes and religious congregations, schools and universities, by Catholic and other organizations of civil society and by any groups willing to respond. Besides their implementation in local programs as well as collaboration at a distance, the Orientations also offer key points for homilies, education and media.
The POHT is available in various languages and formats at:
https://migrants-refugees.va/trafficking-slavery/
Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
Congratulations to RENATE Core Group member Maria Luisa Puglisi and all at Fundación de Solidaridad Amaranta on winning the prestigious Fundación Cepsa Social Value award 2019.
The awards are a recognition of the work undertaken by Fundación de Solidaridad Amaranta to enhance the dignity of the human person and make a concrete difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and those living on the margins of society.
Cepsa Foundation supports awareness of societal challenges and promote good governance, collaboration, sustainability, innovation and professionalism.
More at:
https://www.facebook.com/fundacionamaranta/
http://www.fundacionamaranta.org/
https://fundacion.cepsa.com/es/la-fundacion
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in partnership with the Vaclav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation, has today issued a call for nominations for the 2019 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.
The Prize, created in 2013, aims to reward outstanding civil society action in defending human rights in Europe and beyond. Candidates should have made a real difference to the human rights situation of a given group, been instrumental in uncovering large-scale systemic violations, or have successfully mobilised public opinion or the international community for a cause.
RENATE members may very well know someone worthy of a nomination!
The deadline for submitting nominations is 30 April 2019.
Full details are available at the Press Release here.
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
.png)
