World Trafficking Day: Catholic Network serves 46,000 victims

On the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which is commemorated every July 30, the Talitha Kum Catholic organization presented its Annual Report 2024in which it highlights that more than 46,000 victims were treated by the institution during this year.

Talitha Kumwho takes his name from the words Jesus pronounced by resurrecting Jairo’s daughter: Girl, I tell you, get up (Mc. 5,41). It is an international network against human trafficking, established by the International Union of the General Superior.

This organization promotes collaboration between networks organized at national, regional and continental level, actively supporting victims, survivors and people at risk.

The new report assumes that human trafficking is increasing worldwide, being women and girls the main victims. According to them United Nationsmost of the trafficked persons are minors. In addition, the number of victims for forced labor has surpassed those trafficked to be sexually exploited.

“People trafficking is evolving alarmingly. Digital platforms are unduly used to recruit, manipulate and abuse, often invisible,” explains Talitha Kum.

“In regions devastated by war and crises, traffickers focus on displaced families, forcing women and girls for sexual exploitation or forced marriage. In some areas, we also alarm the increase in kidnapping allegations for organ trafficking, a serious violation of human dignity,” he adds.

More than 46,000 survivors were accompanied by Talitha Kum in 2024, with “compassion, resilience and concrete actions.” This represents an increase of 19% of cases attended by the institution in 2023. In addition, Talitha Kum reached almost a million people during the year, thanks to its various care, prevention and awareness programs.

The organization shared Grace’s testimonya young woman who managed to escape her traffickers in Dubai.

Grace found refuge in a local church and was placed with the sisters of Talitha Kum in Nigeria. There he received attention and training. “With their help and their prayers, the sisters gave me the courage to assert myself,” said the young woman, who today owns her own business.

Talitha Kum calls all the actors involved in the fight against trafficking in people worldwide:

• Dismantle organized people trafficking networks present at borders and digital platforms.

• Give priority to judicial systems, whose approaches are focused on survivors.

• Strengthen prevention measures, especially in vulnerable communities due to conflicts, poverty or digital risks.