HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The UISG (International Union of General Superiors) challenged religious institutes to confront the different forms of human trafficking prevalent in our world today: forced migration, political exiles, organised prostitution, human slavery, trafficking in human organs, paedophilia and disintegration of families.

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The UISG (International Union of
General Superiors) challenged religious institutes to confront the different forms of human trafficking prevalent in our world today: forced migration, political exiles, organised prostitution, human slavery, trafficking in human organs, paedophilia and disintegration of families. Some congregations, encouraged by the Conference of Religious in Brazil have begun to tackle this national and international problem and they have formed a network called “A Call to Life”. “The importance of networking in order to confront human trafficking”.

The solution to this serious problem requires much more than the determined initiatives of a dedicated group of individuals.  For this reason, the network is represented in the United Nations and the Government of the country has set up a “National Plan to confront Human Trafficking”.

In October 2009, the religious members of the network met in
Sao Paulo.  They came from all parts of Brazil, bringing with them the cultural richness of the different regions and the pain of the massive social wound caused by the total lack of respect for human life.   The theme of the meeting was: During the meeting, a leaflet entitled: “A Biblical Reflection on the trafficking of human beings” was launched.  This reflection was produced by the Conference of Religious of Brazil with the guidance of Father Carlos Mesters.

The religious assisted at this meeting in an attitude of faith and courage.  This is an invitation to us, as Holy Family to consider the benefits of working in collaboration with others in order to carry out our mission more effectively.  We get to know one another better and we are opened up to important issues such as human trafficking.