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Category: Latest News

Posted on October 12th, 2018 By

18 October 2018- Annual EU Day against Human Trafficking.

 

 

18 October is the European Anti-Trafficking Day, launched by the European Commission in 2007 with a view to promoting awareness amongst the general public about the major human rights violation that human trafficking is.

In addition to coming from other continents, victims of human trafficking come from, pass through and have their destinations in the member states of the European Union,

The yearly EU Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October makes both policymakers and the general public reflect upon the response to trafficking in human beings in Europe.

States still face challenges in properly identifying trafficked persons, providing them with adequate assistance, prosecuting perpetrators and measuring the overall impact of such actions.

The RENATE network across Europe provides victims of trafficking with free humane, expert, professional support. Where necessary, shelter and safe-housing is provided for women and minors. Counselling and medical care, assistance with rehabilitation and reintegration are provided.

And in order to build capacity and enable self-sufficiency and self-esteem, vocational training opportunities are provided and sustained support is the ideal.

Anti-Slavery Day, 18 October provides an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery and encourages government, local authorities, companies, charities and individuals to do what they can to address this crime.

Check out www.renate-europe to see the myriad of activities underway by the members of RENATE Europe-wide.

 

Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

Posted on October 1st, 2018 By

UK Ambassador to the Holy See, holds reception in honour of Imelda Poole, IBVM, President RENATE, on being awarded an MBE for her work to combat and prevent human trafficking and exploitation.

 

 

“Changing minds, supporting victims- this is where Religious Sisters make the difference,” thus began the introduction to the evening as Ambassador Axworthy welcomed her guests. Ms. Axworthy ‘s fulsome acknowledgement of the work of female Religious and specifically Sr. Imelda Poole, was shared and appreciated by all present.

Ambassadors from Brazil, Canada, the Ivory Coast, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Serbia and the US, Religious, friends, family, colleagues and co-workers working to combat human trafficking and exploitation, gathered at the residence of H.E. Ms. Sally Axworthy, Ambassador to the Holy See, on Tuesday evening, 25 September, 2018, to honour Imelda Poole, IBVM, on being awarded an MBE for her work to combat and prevent human trafficking.

Sr. Imelda shared about her work to combat Human Trafficking over the past 14 years and of the extent to which so much can be achieved through collaboration and partnerships. Citing a number of examples of cases where victims gradually overcame their ordeals at the hands of traffickers, Imelda urged continued and sustained support for the work which can transform the lives of the most vulnerable.

On behalf of the guests, Sr. Bernadette Boland, IBVM, Conf. Of  Religious, expressed gratitude to H.E. Mrs. Axworthy, for so generously acknowledging the work and for hosting such a beautiful and very special event.

The official MBE Award ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace in November, 2018.

 

 

Posted on September 26th, 2018 By
Posted on September 25th, 2018 By

Council of Europe Debate: DEMOCRACY AND THE PEOPLE.

 

 

On 19 September 2018, to mark the International Day of Democracy, the Directorate General of Democracy and the Conference of INGOs organized a debate entitled: Democracy & “The People”, aiming to re-assert the value of our democratic institutions based on individual human rights, civic participation in public decision-making and the rule of law.

The keynote address by Yascha Mounk, author of “The People vs Democracy”, set the tone and the framework for this discussion, specifically that the values and institutions of democracy and human rights must be preserved and defended not only by capable leaders dedicated to the common good, but also with integrity and courage by engaged citizens.

Among the main remedies to the current trend away from liberal democratic values which Yascha Mounk highlights are:

  • ensuring that liberal democracy lives up to our expectations
  • the role of People-Power to defend democracy and hold it accountable and
  • renewing the faith of citizens in their institutions and in liberal democracy itself. For each of these, discussion sessions will bring practitioners of democratic participation and developers of democratic standards and tools to share their experience and explore new avenues for reflection and for action.

Then several speakers, from both the Council of Europe and civil society, tried to give the framework of Democracy and described Campaigns which had been held in several countries (Hungary, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, Armenia…).

I wish to take the opportunity to thank Anna Rurka and Mary Ann Hennessey for helping the accreditation process and smoothing the path for a ground pass for RENATE.

Marie Hélène Halligon, OLCGS.

Posted on September 14th, 2018 By

Crossed perspectives 70 years after the universal declaration of human rights.

 

 

THE CHALLENGE OF UNIVERSALITY
Yesterday afternoon, 10 September 2018, RENATE member Marie Hélène Halligon, OLCGS, attended a Conference organized by the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the Council of Europe.
This event was to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Room 9 was full of priests and CINGO representatives… with a few women too!
In due course, we will have a copy of the speakers ‘talks.
It was most interesting to see the discrepancy between the theory and practice, presented by the speakers (Juridical and Political efforts to promote the universality of Human Rights) and questions from the audience. It was also interesting to note the lack of power afforded Regional legislation, regarding Human Rights, populism or the fact that the EU have yet to ratify the Declaration.
Notwithstanding the above, what I loved as a RENATE Representative was to meet with many known or unknown people after the event: Mgr. Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States, Alessandra Aula (BICE) and other people of interest for RENATE to be best known in the Council of Europe.
Link to follow in due course.
Prepared by Marie Hélène Halligon, OLCGS.

Posted on September 7th, 2018 By

Kevin Hyland, OBE and Maya, a survivor of Human Trafficking, present at MECPATHS + APT joint presentation on Human Trafficking, at World Meeting of Families.

 

L to R: Clare Nolan, OLCGS. Mary Ryan, RSM. Kevin Hyland, OBE. J.P O'Sullivan, MECPATHS. Mairin McDonough, APT Ireland Chairperson.
L to R: Clare Nolan, OLCGS. Mary Ryan, RSM. Kevin Hyland, OBE. J.P O’Sullivan, MECPATHS. Mairin McDonough, APT Ireland Chairperson.

”Human Trafficking: An Open Wound on the Body of Contemporary Society” was the keynote address by Kevin Hyland, OBE, former UK anti-slavery commissioner, at a presentation held jointly by MECPATHS and APT Ireland – with RENATE members, at Panel 5 discussions in Hall 7, at the World Meeting of Families on Thursday morning, 23rd August 2018.
In his address, Kevin provided an overview of how human trafficking pervades contemporary society and global and family responses required for healing.
By means of a series of PowerPoint slides, Kevin shared the understanding of what exactly human trafficking entails and how it manifests itself in various guises worldwide. He spoke about the following aspects: Women and children forced into prostitution, begging and drug-running; Factory slaves; the role society plays in contributing to slavery within the fashion industry; human slavery and exploitation within the car-wash sector.
With the increased incidences of world conflicts and the ensuing displacement of persons, we are seeing an increase in human trafficking. Kevin shared the statistical data currently available, citing 65.6 million forcibly displaced people worldwide- 22.5 million refugees worldwide; 10 million stateless people and 55% of refugees worldwide emanating from three countries- South Sudan, Afghanistan and Syria.
Kevin’s focus on our daily interactions which can often unwittingly contribute to human trafficking such as our use of car-washes; nail-bars; the need for cheap-clothing and even our ever-increasing demand for mobile phones. It was the latter which evoked emotive responses as we heard about the abuse of children as young as seven years old, trafficked and exploited in the cobalt mines   https://uk.news.yahoo.com/insie-congo-mines-exploit-children-210013559.html?guccounter=1
While money is the clear driver, the solution to prevention and ending human trafficking lies with society itself, specifically through community engagement, sustainable development and criminal justice/capacity building mechanisms.
In this regard, Kevin shared about the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and their capacity to impact on prevention and ending human trafficking. In particular, Goal 8.7 ” …Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers and by 2025, end child labour in all its forms.”
Kevin’s presentation was followed by Maya, a young lady who is a survivor of human trafficking in the UK. All present were deeply touched by Maya’s sharing her personal story, which will stay with all of us and encourage us to make even greater efforts to bring an end to what Pope Francis calls ”…an open wound on the body of contemporary society.” (NCR, 10 April, 2014).

Prepared by Anne Kelleher,  RENATE Communications.

Posted on September 7th, 2018 By

RENATE members of APT Ireland (Act To Prevent Trafficking), host a Human Trafficking Awareness stand at the World Meeting of Families Congress, 22 – 25 August 2018

 


 
Encouraged by Pope Francis’ exhortation to bring an end to human trafficking and by his encouragement to young people to overcome fear and learn the warning signs of trafficking (CNA/EWTN News, Vatican City, 12 Feb. 2018 ) Members of APT/AMRI staffed stands 152 and 153 at the RDS throughout the Congress and delighted in the opportunity to meet with so many people, from both the national and international contexts.
 
The Congress provided a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about Human Trafficking in all its guises and whilst we enjoyed the engagement with others, an abiding memory from the time at stand 152, was the extent to which so many people claimed to be totally unaware of human trafficking and unaware of the fact that human trafficking exists in ”our own backyard,” as opposed to occurring elsewhere but not in our own country….
In addition to conversations and real engagement, visitor to the stand were invited to help themselves to literature, information fliers and support gifts containing logos of APT and its partners, donated by Blue Blindfold (www.blueblindfold.gov.ie).
Without a doubt, we have reached a much wider, international audience as a result of our daily presence at the Congress and already we are receiving correspondence from those whom we met, requesting membership of APT or looking to make donations or inviting us as guest speakers at schools, parishes and local communities.
Whilst it was a productive and most enriching time, we are truly grateful for the possibilities of reducing the risks of human trafficking of young people, by virtue of the awareness-raising opportunities afforded us at the World Meeting of Families.
Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person.

Posted on September 7th, 2018 By

RENATE colleagues in Malta send us news of the following one-day conference they are involved in organising, with an open invitation to all to join them on 28 September next. * Please be advised that if attending, travel and accommodation arrangements are at your own expense and responsibility.

 


 
Combating Human Trafficking Today – Taking stock of evidence-based research and sharing experiences from Europe.
Aim: Human trafficking leaves no land untouched and is also happening around us. This conference seeks to provide answers to some of the most difficult questions relating to the trafficking of children and adults for commercial sexual exploitation.   The conference seeks to answer some of the pending difficult questions:
– What are the links between trafficking and prostitution?
– What do we know about sexually exploited women in Malta? Who are they? What led to their exploitation?
– Can the criminalising of the sex buyer reduce human trafficking?  – The Swedish Experience.
– In the context of existing legal models – What model should Malta adopt?
Date:  Friday, 28th September 2018
Venue – Lecture Theatre 2 (LT2) – University of Malta – Msida Campus.
Time:  09.00 – 13.30hrs
Organisers:  Dr Anna Borg (A4E) and Dr Anna Vella (Dar Hosea) in collaboration with the Centre for Labour Studies (CLS) – University of Malta
To secure your place please send a cheque for €25 , payable to A4E, c/o Centre for Labour Studies, Room 209, FEMA Building, University of Malta, Msida no later than 19th September.– Part of the proceeds will go to Dar Hosea and A4E.
Malta Conference 28 September 2018 

Posted on August 3rd, 2018 By

RENATE members share events in honour of the 30 July 2018- World Day of awareness against Trafficking in Persons.

 

UN GiftBox campaign under way in Albania, to raise awareness about Human Trafficking, in honour of the 30 July, the world Day of Awareness against Trafficking in Persons.

 

 
On the World Day of Awareness against Trafficking in Persons, 30 July 2018, the URAT network together with the office of the National coordinator for Combatting Human Trafficking  and Bridges, a network of organisations dedicated to the fight against trafficking in human beings, brought the UN Giftbox to Albania, for the 3rd year running. The UN Giftbox is a global initiative of the United Nations in the fight against human trafficking.
The campaign took place at Lancua, in Vlora, with the participation of Minister Rovena Voda, National Co-ordinator of the fight against trafficking. Also present were Mr. Artemis Dralo, Deputy Prime Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of the Bridges network, local anti-trafficking institutions and national and international organisations.
The Giftbox information was translated into Albanian language by the Bridges network in Albania, in order to expose fraudulent promises used by traffickers of human beings, as well as exposing the inhumane conditions of trafficking and its consequences. A unique and eye-catching feature of the campaign is the life-sized Giftbox itself, which effectively captures and informs the public.
The overall purpose of the campaign is to sensitize people to the risks of trafficking; help vulnerable communities to protect themselves from traffickers and help survivors of trafficking receive the necessary and re-integrated information in society.
 

 
The Giftbox campaign ran for three days in Vlora, from 30 July to 1 August from 18:00-23:00 daily. On the second day of the Campaign,  two victims of human trafficking were rescued thanks to the direct work of #vatra and 873 people signed the statement #thuajjotrafikimit. #Joinedaproach#Bashkemundemi #unitedresponseagainsttrafficking
Overall, this year’s campaign was another fantastic success, thanks to the collaboration and happy cooperation amongst each of the agencies who work so hard together to achieving the common goal of combatting human trafficking and exploitation. 
More information at: https://www.facebook.com/MaryWardLoreto/

 

The Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking- Albania.

 

 
To mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, 30 July 2018,  Mary Ward Loreto Women’s Project which operates in Lezha city, Albania, in collaboration with State Regional Directory staff of Social Services joined together in an awareness-raising activity against Trafficking in Persons.
During this campaign, information was shared about this phenomenon, with parents, children and the Roma community where the exploitation of children is the biggest concern.
This is a crime of such international proportions that no one person alone can combat it. From our work, we realise that the best and most effective approach will be through collaboration, where police forces, state structures and civil society all work together.
Together we can fight and stop Human Trafficking.
#MaryWardLoreto #BlueHeartCampaign #StopHumanTrafficking#AwarenessRaising
 

 

Awareness-raising initiative by MWL Youth group, Albania.

 

 
Mary Ward Loreto Albania Youth group organised a Human Trafficking awareness-raising campaign in Lushnja city, to mark the occasion of the 30 July 2018- World day of Awareness against Trafficking in Persons.
It was a most productive time, when young people shared information on human trafficking and also distributed leaflets amongst the ,local community, about Human Trafficking.
More at: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mwlyouthproject?source=feed_text

 

Launch of Cross-border research to find ways to improve child protection against human traffickers.

On the occasion of the World Day of Awareness against  Trafficking in Human Beings, 30 July 2018,  RENATE members at CHARITA Slovakia send us news from Caritas Europa Associations and the Mediterranean region (near East and West Africa) announcing the launch of a cross-border research project aimed at finding ways to improve child protection against traffickers.
This international research brings together Caritas members in nine countries (Albania, Bosnia, France, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Slovenia, Slovakia and Ukraine) within two regional organizations: Caritas MONA (Caritas Network in the Middle East and West Africa) and Caritas Europa. 
Research results should provide tools and techniques for better identification, prevention and a more effective fight against trafficking in human beings. At the same time, it is intended that the research will promote awareness of this illegal activity in risk groups, law enforcement agencies and the general public.
‘’Over the past ten years, the Slovak Catholic Charity has helped more than a hundred victims of trafficking in human beings. The project provides comprehensive services: social, psychological, legal advice and assistance in the ordinary life of clients. Our main goal is to re-incorporate a person into society,’’ said Jana Verdura, the voluntary return coordinator of the STOP human trafficking project.
More at: https://www.charita.sk/deti-su-najlahsim-tercom-obchodnikov-s-ludmi/ 

 
 

 
 
RENATE Board member, Margaret Gonzi, olcgs, Malta, shares with us news of the Good Shepherd Congregation’s Human Trafficking awareness-raising talks to the congregations attending Mass at the local chapel on both the 29 and 30 July. Margaret drew upon her work with victims of violence and human trafficking, to talk about the suffering and trauma experienced by victims and yet how through constant support and vigilance, they can become survivors with hopes and plans to live fulfilled lives. 
An additional event took place on Friday, 27 July, with the screening of the film ‘’Priceless,’’ shown at the Franciscan Cinema at the Emmaus centre, Birkirkara. Following the screening, Margaret’s colleague and co-worker at the Dar Merhba Bik Foundation, Bernardette Briffa, also a RENATE member, was invited to share her knowledge and experiences of working with victims of human trafficking. It was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about Human Trafficking and encourage people’s engagement with efforts to bring an end to this crime against humanity.
The Dar Merhba Bik Foundation works to support women and girls who are victims of violence and trafficking. More information about the Foundation at: http://maltacvs.org/voluntary/good-shepherd-sisters-dar-merhba-bik-foundation/  and also at: https://www.facebook.com/darmerhbabik/

 

Fields of BOAZ and vulnerable asylum seekers in Ile-de-France- 2018.

 

In 2003 in France, 23 religious congregations came together to create The Fields of Boaz to help the most vulnerable refugees in France: single women who arrive alone, fleeing a country because of danger. 
Often they do not speak French, have sold most of their assets to pay the traffickers who bring them to Europe and only know a few immigrants from their countries of origin, many of whom are not always eager to help.
It is now 15 years since its foundation and the need for support continues to be as urgent as ever. Twenty residents – Muslim, Buddhist or Christian – are currently housed in apartments provided by individuals or by Catholic communities in Paris or its suburbs …  “Protection from the risk of prostitution or of life on the street, we advocate a full reception of these women…. ”  explains sister Eliane Loiseau.
For more: https://renatefrance.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/les-champs-de-booz-aux-cotes-des-femmes-refugiees/

Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications. More news of events on 30 July will feature in the coming weeks.

Posted on July 27th, 2018 By

World Day against trafficking in Persons, 30 July 2018. ‘Responding to the trafficking of children and young people’

 


 
This year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has chosen ‘responding to the trafficking of children and young people’ as the focus of the World Day.
This year’s campaign highlights the fact that almost a third of trafficking victims are children. The theme draws attention to the issues faced by trafficked children and to possible action initiatives linked to safeguarding and ensuring justice for child victims.
To mark the day, RENATE members internationally on 25 July, logged on to the live launch of the publication ‘’Inherent Dignity: An Advocacy Guide to Preventing Trafficking for the Purposes of Sexual Exploitation and Realising the Human Rights of Women and Girls Throughout their Lives,” co-authored by Angela Reed, rsm.
The launch took place at the UN, with Chris Cervenak, International Lawyer and Human Rights Activist as Moderator and the following panellists- Angela Reed, Co-author of the publication; Jane Connor, Assistant Secretary General, Victims’ Rights Advocate for the United Nations; Winifred Doherty, olcgs, NGO Representative to the UN, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
Full recording available at: https://t.co/rCc9hATvzg
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

 

 

Stop Human Trafficking | Pray for Trafficked Persons