Wrapping up National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January has been designated National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month. More than 40-million people are estimated to be affected by human trafficking. Many of those can likely be found in every city in the United States. It’s our responsibility to help identify and thereby help free those so afflicted.

Migration and Refugee Services (a part of the US Council of Catholic Bishops) has been leading a response against Human Trafficking. Two of their programs offer ways of getting involved in this effort, and can be joined by people of any faith.

BECOME A SHEPHERD (Stop Human Trafficking and Exploitation, Protect, Help, Empower and Restore Dignity): USCCB/MRS is continually working to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern-day slavery within the American Catholic community. To become involved, you can request the online SHEPHERD Tool Kit. Would you like to hear from current Shepherd parishes engaging parishioners and community members in anti-trafficking ministries? Watch the St. Josephine Bakhita webinar.

AMISTAD: USCCB/MRS created the Amistad Movement to educate and engage immigrant leaders in the fight against human trafficking within communities that are frequently vulnerable  to trafficking and exploitation in the United States. The Amistad Movement is intended to  empower immigrants through a comprehensive and intensive training program. To request  materials and learn more, check out the AMISTAD Program on our website.

“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime that has become ever more aggressive, that threatens not just individuals, but the foundational values of society.”

– Pope Francis