The Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer once again celebrated, together with the universal Church, the XII World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, an anniversary that renews their commitment to the dignity, freedom, and life of so many people who are victims of this grave injustice.
This Day, which is celebrated every year on the feast of Saint Josefina Bakhita, invites us to pray and renew our commitment in the face of a reality that continues to cause profound suffering to millions of people throughout the world.
Human trafficking continues to be a painful reality in our world, violating human dignity and disrupting the peace of our societies, especially in a world marked by conflict, war, and forced migration. Women and girls continue to bear the heaviest burden. Global data shows that detected trafficking cases have increased significantly in recent years, with a 25% increase. Poverty, conflict, the climate crisis, and unsafe migration leave many people vulnerable. Women and girls currently represent approximately 61% of identified victims globally, many of whom are trafficked for labor exploitation or involved in online criminal activity.
“Peace begins with dignity”
This year’s motto: “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking.” It emphasizes that there can be no true peace as long as millions of people continue to be exploited, made invisible, and deprived of their fundamental rights. World Day brings together thousands of women religious and collaborators around the world committed to the fight against trafficking.
From the Oblate charism: being, listening and accompanying
For the Oblate Sisters, this Day has a very special meaning. Our mission places us daily alongside women who have experienced exploitation, violence, and exclusion. Through our closeness, listening, and support, we continue to support the processes of healing, empowerment, and the restoration of dignity.
We join our prayers to those of all for the victims and survivors of trafficking, for those who work to assist and protect them, and for a society that is concretely committed to eradicating the causes that generate this form of exploitation.
This day helps us to renew hope, to strengthen compassion and to remember that every gesture, every word, and every action counts in building a world in which the dignity of every person must be respected.
(hermanasoblatas.org/Scala News)
