EUROPE/ITALY - A light against human trafficking

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - "Together against trafficking" is the theme of the fifth World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, celebrated on 8 February, on the day when we remember the liturgical memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Canossian nun, of Sudanese origin, who became a universal symbol of the Church's commitment against trafficking. Human trafficking is still widespread in all the Countries of the world and on every continent. The illicit profit produced by sexual exploitation corresponds to two thirds of the illicit gain produced by human trafficking.
According to data from the International Labor Organization, there are almost 25 million people in a situation of forced labor in the world, 70% of whom live in Asia. The activities in which we find most people forced to work are domestic. 168 million children are involved. Child slavery is often linked to another type of exploitation, early marriage. Of the 15.4 million women in the world who live forced marriage, 37% are under 18.
On the occasion of the 8th February Day, the International Committee, in collaboration with various ecclesial bodies and realities, have organized two meetings, which will take place in Rome on February 8th and 10th. On Friday 8, there will be a prayer vigil at the Basilica of St. Anthony (via Merulana 124 / B) at 6 pm, presided over by Fr. Michael Czerny and Fr. Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the Department of Migrants and Refugees of the Dicastery for the service of integral human development. During the vigil, animated by young people and consecrated persons, moments of witness of common commitment against trafficking will take place. On Sunday, February 10 a sensitization march will take place, which will start at 10 am from Castel Sant'Angelo and will end in Piazza San Pietro, at 12, to participate in the prayer of the Angelus with Pope Francis. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 7/2/2019)

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