Human trafficking

Religious groups, government officials and NGOs met in Manila, Philippines on 7 July, to formulate new strategies to fight online child sexual exploitation, and appeal to the heads of state or government meeting in New Delhi in September.

Sister Corazon J. Salazar, foundress of the Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (MQHM), heads the institute. Its 16 members travel to remote areas and rural villages to fight trafficking, rescue girls from prostitution, offer education, and help them find work. Extreme poverty favours exploitation.

Behind the trafficking of dozens of children and young teenagers was the Süleymancılar sect, which, according to some reports, benefited from government and Akp cover. At least six youngsters from remote forest areas ended up in Manaus, then transported overseas to the association's Turkish headquarters. Child abuse increased by 700 percent under "sultan" Erdogan

In his address during the Angelus, Francis noted that the sea was calm and that nothing was in the way of a rescue operation. As the UN marks World Refugee Days this coming week, “everything possible [must] be done to prevent similar tragedies,” the pope said. He thanked everyone for their show of affection and closeness during his surgery and hospitalisation. He also urged the faithful to pray for the students in Uganda and the people of Ukraine. The love of God is "the fundamental reality of life".

The umbrella network released its annual report highlighting its struggle against the scourge of human trafficking. In Asia, 9,329 victims received protection last year thanks to the group’s work in 20 countries. A Thai nun tells her story.