Human trafficking

Francis released his message for the 10th International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking. In it, he highlighted the example of Saint Josephine Bakhita, focusing on this year’s theme, which is also a reminder: "Journeying in Dignity: Listen, Dream, Act ". This often "goes unseen", but the victims need their “full dignity” restored. Media and reporters play a crucial role in telling the latter’s stories.

Pope Francis instituted the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, to be observed on 8 February. A network of Catholic nuns fighting this scourge urges the Philippine government to do more to provide protection and prevention.

Inadequate distribution of immigrants in the various sectors has necessitated a review of relations with 15 countries. Affected 2.2 million people, mainly from Bangladesh and Nepal, ended up in limbo. The practice of forced labour or non-payment of fees was targeted.

An organised crime cartel allegedly brought 13 children 'regularly' from Sri Lanka to Malaysia and from there, using false documents, they were trafficked to the rest of the world, including Europe. The chairman of the National Child Protection Authority, Udayakumara Amarasinghe: 'Parents are given a certain amount of money to take them abroad even though this is a criminal offence'.

170 Catholic women religious representing 80 member congregations of Amrat - which is part of Talitha Kum, the network that internationally combats human trafficking - at their annual meeting pledged to put into practice in their daily work the right to no longer be slaves.

Migrant outreach becomes a priority for UNIO Indonesia at its 14th meeting, which drew more than 2,000 priests and bishops. Father Maxi Un Bri becomes the association’s new head until 2026.

At the end of the Marian prayer, the pontiff mentioned "Rencontres Méditerranéennes", which he plans to attend, calling it a "fine initiative" that can "promote paths of peace". The pope urged the faithful to pray for the Ukrainian people and every land "bloodstained" by war. He also noted that the Gospel encourages “forgiveness" to “defuse anger and heal so many maladies of the heart that contaminate society.”

Today's headlines: Afghan Taliban against Islamabad for closing Torkham crossing; Manila wants a tariff cut on imported rice to curb price escalation. India's Silicon Valley paralyzed by vehicle strikes; Japanese premier announces government reshuffle and "drastic" economic measures; In Israel, artists and film and TV personalities revolt over industry cooperation agreement between Tel Aviv and Moscow; The "Tiger Valley" park in Tajikistan will enter among UNESCO heritage sites.

The Lebanese are alarmed by the illegal flow of people across the border paying up to US$ 100 to smugglers. The army turned back more than 1,500 people in just one week in late August, but the border is too long for proper monitoring. Opposition MP Melhem Khalaf warns of the “risk of asphyxiation” of Lebanon.

An investigation by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism reveals the problem. Some domestic workers have received packages with snakes and intimidating messages to get them to pay their debt. Philippine employment agencies are blamed with loan-sharking, taking a disproportionate chuck of workers’ wages.

Sunday 30 July is World Anti-Trafficking Day. In South-East Asia, the US State Department recently reported some improvements in Malaysia, where the phenomenon is also sadly widespread among rubber and palm oil workers. But according to local NGOs, the government's efforts still do not meet the minimum standards for eliminating the scourge.

A report by international NGOs shows the critical situation of those who leave the Islamic Republic, especially converts, to escape persecution. Abuse by employers, high rents, lack of education for children among the critical issues. The serious slowdown in the outplacement system in third countries (United States, Canada, Australia).