“Journeying
Together to End Human Trafficking,
Compassion In Action For Transformation”
Talitha Kum
Talitha Kum is an
international organization of consecrated life networks working to end human
trafficking worldwide. It coordinates all national and regional consecrated
life networks working to end human trafficking and is a project of the Union International
of Superiors General (UISG). Our call to engage in this challenging and
essential work is rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus and is closely
related to our Catholic faith. We recognize the loving and life-giving presence
of God in all who work to eradicate this form of modern slavery, and we welcome
collaboration and dialogue with all the people involved in this work, regardless
of religious, political, or cultural differences.
Pope Francis, in his
message sent to the participants of the Second Talitha Kum International
General Assembly, stated that “Human trafficking is a 'systemic' crime, and
therefore we can and must eradicate it through a systematic and multi-level
approach. Human trafficking is fueled by wars and conflicts, thrives on the
impact of climate change and socio-economic disparities, and exploits the
vulnerability of those forced to migrate, as well as the conditions of
inequality they face, especially women and girls. Human trafficking continues
to evolve and always finds new ways to thrive, as seen during the pandemic.
However, we must not be discouraged. With the power of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ and the dedication of many people, we can succeed in eradicating it.”
Sisters from various congregations are involved in responding to God’s call in
combating the crime of human trafficking.
Meeting Process
The Second Talitha Kum International General Assembly was held at Fraterna Domus, Sacrofano from May 18 to 24, 2024. Participants came from 71 countries, totaling 153 attendees from 60 Talitha Kum networks. Sr. Abby Avelino MM, as the President of Talitha Kum International, welcomed all participants and explained: "The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity to gather together for reflection, sharing, listening, looking back, and planning steps forward in our collective work to eradicate the crime of human trafficking within the Talitha Kum network."
Talitha Kum is one of the
commissions or parts of UISG. High appreciation was expressed by UISG
President, Sr. Mary Barron OLA, who stated, "Talitha Kum International is
an organization composed of various women’s congregations that aim to
participate in the ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to those who suffer,
to the victims of trafficking. Collaboration is a crucial element in our
cooperation. We cannot combat the crime of human trafficking alone. UISG extends
its highest appreciation to Talitha Kum for organizing this second assembly.
Freedom is a right for every citizen. Our task, as those specially called by
God, is to listen, empower, and heal the victims and the wounds they have
suffered. On its 15th anniversary, we are invited to reach out and find them
like the good shepherd who searches for his sheep. We are all called to be
agents of change, agents who generate ideas aimed at justice, truth, and
respect for human dignity, for a better life.”
The meeting process was extraordinary, interesting and engaging. Each
day began with reflective and contextual prayers from each continent. All
participants were divided into small groups, with one sharing table consisting
of 8 to 9 people. Within these groups, participants were expected to share and
listen to one another. In the spirit of conversation, we aimed to understand
the activities of the network and the realities of human trafficking in
different countries. The synodal approach was from the bottom up. The result of
the sharing/conversations in the spirit led to a declaration about who we are
and what we strive for (affirming the structure of TK and its network). This
was stipulated by a drafting team that was prepared previously by the committee
to listen to the movement of the Spirit guiding each group. All these notes
built the agreed-upon declaration that will be implemented for the period
2025-2030. Once agreed upon by the participants through voting, it was then
presented to the UISG Executive Council for the final decision, and to Pope
Francis for his blessing.
The facilitators for this activity were Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, and Sr. Angela Nemilayaki, MSOLA. The languages used were English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
Climate
Change, Trafficking, and Women Empowerment
The main topic discussed by speakers and
participants was the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, the poor,
and marginalized communities, which can lead individuals into human
trafficking, and how to empower these vulnerable groups to prevent them from
falling into the dangers of human trafficking and forced labor.
Mrs.
Nasreen, an advocate and survivor, shared her experience of escaping slavery
during her liberation. Nasreen shared, "Slavery often happens when a
worker does not have complete documents." Nasreen is one of the survivors
who witnessed firsthand how her family was enslaved. This experience motivated
her to rise and become a motivator for many.
Gender
inequality also contributes to this slavery. Nayiri Arslanian, a social worker
supporting trafficking victims in the Middle East, stated that "gender
injustice and gender-based violence are at the root of trafficking issues and
forced labor, slavery. There is much violence against women and children in the
Middle East. Due to economic demands, sometimes women neglect their children.
Witnessing many such cases, it is important to empower and strengthen the
mental capacity and knowledge of women who can influence their
communities."
The keynote speech with the theme "impact of climate change"
by UNHCR's Ms. Safak Pavey conveyed that "engagement is compassion to
provide hope for those suffering. Human dignity is a crucial element in the
global struggle on this issue. Many incidents we see worldwide, the reality of
climate change has direct impacts on women and children. Food shortages, job
losses, they will live with higher risks. We need many helping hands to assist
vulnerable groups. This vulnerability makes them easily trafficked, enslaved,
and this is a system that often occurs in society. Climate change is a human
act, human greed."
In order to reach out and encounter the wounded, Sister Patricia Murray,
representing UISG, delivered a message to the participants to follow the
synodal teachings of the Church as advocated by Pope Francis to become the
spirit for TK to walk alongside the victims. "Compassion is God's grace
bestowed upon us to listen to the suffering of others. Transformation is one of
the spirits in our work. As agents of change in International TK, we work to
embrace, empower, inspire, give hope, and provide a new life for those
experiencing violence and suffering. Learning from Mother Mary, who listens
with a compassionate heart that has immense compassion," as conveyed by
Sister Patricia Murray, IBVM Executive Director and UISG Secretary.
In the section "Socio-economic Impacts and human trafficking,"
Sr. Francelien Hien, USOLA Coordinator of Talitha Kum North Africa, emphasized
that "Networking is one of the effective ways to combat human trafficking.
Family is the most important aspect for us in providing support. There is a
spirit of listening and seeing the reality of forced migration and trafficking
cases that often occur. In North Africa, we find that the Church and the
government are not yet open to these situations. In 2022, there was already a
protocol on protection by the African Union regarding international migration.
If the Church and the government collaborate, there could be significant
changes in cases like human trafficking. But the reality is they are not
collaborating." Meanwhile, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Deputy President for
Program Operations and Head of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, stated that
"Protection for victims is paramount. There is no respect for human
dignity; poverty is a consequence of gender-based violence. This poses a
challenge for us. We need advocacy at the national level to create policies
that provide protection for trafficking victims." Isabell, representing
Youth Ambassadors Oceania, shared how young people in Oceania are involved in
combating human trafficking. "The involvement of young people in combating
trafficking is very positive and beneficial. As young people, we can learn to
see global relations and contribute in various forms to prevention,
intervention, and advocacy."
In this
meeting, youth ambassadors from each continent were also present. They were
given the opportunity to share about their involvement, successes, challenges,
and hopes regarding the Talitha Kum International network. As young people,
they are highly creative in their activities and campaigns through social
media, yet they face the most prominent challenge of influencing other young
people to get involved. Their work as a serious form of youth engagement in the
church focuses attention on combating human trafficking crimes.
***
To
conclude, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary opportunity to attend the
international meeting representing Indonesia. As a religious Missionary Servant
of the Holy Spirit, I feel a calling to listen to the cries for help from those
who suffer and are wounded due to human trafficking, sexual violence, domestic
abuse, and growing discrimination. I am invited to truly immerse myself in the
reality of others' suffering and to fight alongside those who suffer and are
wounded. Through my experience accompanying victims at the Volunteer Team for
Humanity (TRUKF), I am aware that compassion in action demands strong sacrifice
and self-denial. God has planted and continues to instill the grace of
sacrifice and great love and I feel merely an instrument of God used for His
mission.
Sharing experiences with people from various countries and listening to inputs from speakers provide new insights, a good understanding of the difficulties and challenges faced by each sister and pastor involved in the fight against human trafficking. I was also encouraged to delve deeper into reflecting and discovering the roots of human trafficking issues, which can arise from gender inequality and climate change. I learned to find concrete ways to empower survivors and victims, so they do not fall into the same experiences again. To be able to help them, everyone must work together. And I must continuously learn to be humble in seeing God's will in every decision and action for the victims. I always believe that God will always be on the side of everyone who fights for justice and truth, because He is the source of love, justice, and truth. God will complete it for me (Psalm 138:8). This life motto becomes my strength in the journey alongside those who strive for healing, justice, and truth.
TRUKF Maumere Women Division Coordinator
Flores East Province, Indonesia
TALITHA KUM 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINAL DECLARATION – MAY
22nd, 2024
We, 153 delegates and participants from 71 countries,
representatives of the 60 Talitha Kum (TK) networks committed to ending human
trafficking on all continents, gathered at the 2nd General Assembly of Talitha
Kum at Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano from May 18-24, 2024, with the theme “Journeying
Together to End Human Trafficking: Compassion in Action for Transformation,” in
order to:
·
Share
experiences and listen to the grassroots.
·
Embrace
our identity and diversity as an international network of networks.
·
Strengthen
relationships, networking, and collaboration.
·
Revisit
our priorities for action in light of emerging realities.
·
Celebrate
15 years of Talitha Kum.
The power of Pentecost fills us with prophetic hope. The
Holy Spirit emboldens us to persevere in eradicating human trafficking to
create a future where “all may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
We hear in the pain and suffering of persons wounded by human trafficking the
call of Jesus that generates life: “Rise up!” (Mark 5:41) We pray for eyes to
see the reality of trafficking, hands that reach out to those affected, a heart
filled with care and compassion, and feet to journey forward together on a path
of transformation.
As we recommit to the three priorities from our 1st
General Assembly in 2019, we recognize that the world has changed dramatically
in these past 5 years. Our diverse cultural contexts are marked by accelerating
change, intense globalization, rising migration, exponential growth in the use
of technology, the devastating impact of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic,
and the conflicts that currently ravage many parts of our world. Today, these
emerging realities call Talitha Kum to commit to our next three priorities for
2025-2030, which we have discerned using the synodal method of Conversation in
the Spirit.
PRIORITY 1: SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN THE
FACE OF NEW VULNERABILITIES
The complex systems that enable human trafficking need to
be dismantled through concrete steps towards social, economic, cultural, and
political transformation. We denounce the many factors that leave people
trapped in modern forms of slavery: discrimination and violence against women
and minority groups, exploitation of vulnerable persons especially children,
patriarchal systems, internal displacement, forced migration, terrorism,
conflict and war, unfettered market capitalism, corruption, racism, organized
crime, inadequate immigration laws, and inconsistent law enforcement. These
realities cry out to us, and so we commit to:
·
Empowering
women, children, and youth towards more just, equitable societies.
·
Adopting
effective strategies to reduce the demand for human trafficking, including
through education for boys and men and advocacy for regular migration pathways.
·
Advocating
for the prosecution of traffickers and for effective policy and legal changes
for at-risk populations, including migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.
·
Addressing
the push and pull factors of migration and displacement, advocating for the
protection and integration of people on the move.
·
Exposing
the risks of online trafficking and social media by sensitizing young people
and their families and promoting cyber safety.
PRIORITY 2: HOLISTIC, SURVIVOR-CENTRED APPROACH
Our experiences of walking with people who suffer because
of trafficking shows us the human face of this global phenomenon. We are called
to take a holistic, long-term approach to journeying with trafficked persons
that aims at their integral healing and flourishing, walking together in
dignity and empathy. This calls upon TK to be more intentionally
survivor-centred, survivor-informed, and trauma-sensitive – listening to their
stories, consulting them in decision-making processes and putting them at the
heart of our networks. We open our ears to hear the silent cry of diverse forms
of human trafficking, which affects women, men, youth, and children. Promoting
the protagonism of survivors in our network is an essential key to improve our
capacity to prevent human trafficking and to act with empathy, care, and
unconditional acceptance towards those whose lives are affected by it. Their
resilience inspires our perseverance to eradicate human trafficking in all
forms. We commit ourselves to:
·
Caring
for survivors as valued members of our TK family.
·
Promoting
safe and secure spaces/shelters, survivor-to-survivor peer support, and
survivor-led initiatives.
·
Establishing
spaces for non-judgmental listening, hotlines, and mobile app reporting.
·
Linking
survivors to education, health services, skill-building, housing, legal aid,
and job opportunities.
·
Offering
psycho-social support and providing spiritual accompaniment for survivors, as
well as psychological and legal support and training for TK members and
partners.
PRIORITY 3: BROADENING COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
We realize that we are not alone and that this work
cannot be done in isolation. Within TK, this means diversifying our membership
and multiplying our impacts. TK is alive today thanks to the courageous and
enduring commitment of women religious and their collaborators. Rooted in their
prayerful witness, we see lay people, clergy, and young people as key to the
long-term sustainability of our work to end human trafficking. We commit
ourselves to community engagement and call for broad-based collaboration with
Church leaders, other religions and faith communities, governmental
organizations, NGOs, women and men, young and old, so that together we can:
·
Find
creative ways to raise awareness in the face of the globalization of
indifference, inspired by Fratelli Tutti.
·
Stand
up for equality between women and men and respect for human rights.
·
Share
resources, best practices, data analysis, and the online TK international
directory.
·
Confronting
the impact of climate change and mitigating its underlying causes, inspired by
Laudato Si’.
·
Pray
for an end to human trafficking, widening the reach of the International Day of
Prayer and Awareness on February 8th.
·
Foster
the active involvement of young people, particularly TK youth ambassadors, and
empower them as leaders of our online campaigns to raise awareness.
Together, our actions have the power to transform lives
with compassion, towards a world free of human trafficking.