Human Trafficking

January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities.

We invite you to join in prayer from January 11 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) to February 8, 2023 (Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita) using the prayer calendar linked here.

PDF - Reflections & Prayers to End Human Trafficking

PDF - Reflexiónes y Oraciónes Para Terminar la Trata de Personas

UNANIMA International recently published “The Intersections of Family Homelessness and Human Trafficking.” On page 22, they succinctly explain that "Human Trafficking and Homelessness are negative effects of vulnerability, and each causes vulnerability to the other." The report illustrates that "both require attention to the family unit, causes of conflict and trauma therein, and the systems and society which are reflected within families’ realities" and concludes with 20 recommendations for action. 

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Perpetrators use force, fraud or coercion to lure victims into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. This violates their human dignity and denies their God-given freedom. Pope Francis and other faith leaders have set a goal of eradicating modern slavery by 2020. Their moral leadership has greatly expanded efforts to end human trafficking.

In 2007 the Sisters of St. Agnes adopted a corporate stance against sex trafficking. As a member of UNANIMA International, the Congregation assisted with its campaign called Stop the Demand, and has continued to raise awareness of the trafficking of women and children.

In response to resolutions by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), sisters have been in the forefront of efforts to end human trafficking.  In 2016, with the full support of Wisconsin’s Catholic Bishops, WI’s LCWR prepared a toolkit for parishes in WI to promote awareness of human trafficking. Contents of the toolkit are available on the anti-human trafficking Webpage of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. In WI LCWR also sponsored ads on buses and billboards to create awareness of the hotline at the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.

Human trafficking is rampant in the hospitality sector of the economy. For this reason, the Sisters of St. Agnes recommend asking hotel and motel managers if they have adopted The Code which is designed to protect children from human trafficking. You can find a sample letter on this Website.

CSA recommends other organizations that provide helpful information and actions to end modern slavery.

US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking — A list of current reports maintained and updated by the US Catholic Sister Against Human Trafficking

Includes the Stop Trafficking Newsletter (issued monthly)

End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT-USA) — Part of a network of organizations in more than 100 countries all working together to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children 

Justice for Immigrants — Find resources to reduce trafficking and learn about welcoming immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers

US Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services — learn about modern slavery and request a free toolkit from their Become a SHEPHERD program

Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility No Fees Initiative

Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking

Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking 

Polaris Project

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's Review of the worldwide anti-trafficking work of sisters — includes numerous additional resources links

TraffickCam App — help fight human trafficking when you travel, by uploading images of hotel rooms to law enforcement databases

Slavery Footprint — help fight human trafficking in your daily life by recognizing where your personal habits may be contributing to the problem.