Talitha Kum
Talitha Kum is an international organization of consecrated life networks working to end human trafficking worldwide. It coordinates all national and regional consecrated life networks working to end human trafficking and is a project of the Union International of Superiors General (UISG). Our call to engage in this challenging and essential work is rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus and is closely related to our Catholic faith. We recognize the loving and life-giving presence of God in all who work to eradicate this form of modern slavery, and we welcome collaboration and dialogue with all the people involved in this work, regardless of religious, political, or cultural differences.
Pope Francis, in his message sent to the participants of the Second Talitha Kum International General Assembly, stated that “Human trafficking is a ‘systemic’ crime, and therefore we can and must eradicate it through a systematic and multi-level approach. Human trafficking is fueled by wars and conflicts, thrives on the impact of climate change and socio-economic disparities, and exploits the vulnerability of those forced to migrate, as well as the conditions of inequality they face, especially women and girls. Human trafficking continues to evolve and always finds new ways to thrive, as seen during the pandemic. However, we must not be discouraged. With the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ and the dedication of many people, we can succeed in eradicating it.” Sisters from various congregations are involved in responding to God’s call in combating the crime of human trafficking.
Meeting Process
The Second Talitha Kum International General Assembly was held at Fraterna Domus, Sacrofano from May 18 to 24, 2024. Participants came from 71 countries, totaling 153 attendees from 60 Talitha Kum networks. Sr. Abby Avelino MM, as the President of Talitha Kum International, welcomed all participants and explained: “The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity to gather together for reflection, sharing, listening, looking back, and planning steps forward in our collective work to eradicate the crime of human trafficking within the Talitha Kum network.”
Talitha Kum is one of the commissions or parts of UISG. High appreciation was expressed by UISG President, Sr. Mary Barron OLA, who stated, “Talitha Kum International is an organization composed of various women’s congregations that aim to participate in the ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to those who suffer, to the victims of trafficking. Collaboration is a crucial element in our cooperation. We cannot combat the crime of human trafficking alone. UISG extends its highest appreciation to Talitha Kum for organizing this second assembly. Freedom is a right for every citizen. Our task, as those specially called by God, is to listen, empower, and heal the victims and the wounds they have suffered. On its 15th anniversary, we are invited to reach out and find them like the good shepherd who searches for his sheep. We are all called to be agents of change, agents who generate ideas aimed at justice, truth, and respect for human dignity, for a better life.”
The meeting process was extraordinary, interesting and engaging. Each day began with reflective and contextual prayers from each continent. All participants were divided into small groups, with one sharing table consisting of 8 to 9 people. Within these groups, participants were expected to share and listen to one another. In the spirit of conversation, we aimed to understand the activities of the network and the realities of human trafficking in different countries. The synodal approach was from the bottom up. The result of the sharing/conversations in the spirit led to a declaration about who we are and what we strive for (affirming the structure of TK and its network). This was stipulated by a drafting team that was prepared previously by the committee to listen to the movement of the Spirit guiding each group. All these notes built the agreed-upon declaration that will be implemented for the period 2025-2030. Once agreed upon by the participants through voting, it was then presented to the UISG Executive Council for the final decision, and to Pope Francis for his blessing.
The facilitators for this activity were Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, and Sr. Angela Nemilayaki, MSOLA. The languages used were English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
Climate Change, Trafficking, and Women Empowerment
The main topic discussed by speakers and participants was the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, the poor, and marginalized communities, which can lead individuals into human trafficking, and how to empower these vulnerable groups to prevent them from falling into the dangers of human trafficking and forced labor.
In a panel discussion themed “Empowerment of women and survivors,” Mrs. He Chiara, Ambassador of Australia to the Holy See, shared that “currently, there are many cases of forced labor, slavery against women in various forms. It is important to collaborate with multiple stakeholders for prevention, support for victims, and investigations, including families of victims. This is also an international issue. The direct impact is on women and children. It is crucial for us to advocate for government policies both at national and international levels to support victims and investigations.”
Mrs. Nasreen, an advocate and survivor, shared her experience of escaping slavery during her liberation. Nasreen shared, “Slavery often happens when a worker does not have complete documents.” Nasreen is one of the survivors who witnessed firsthand how her family was enslaved. This experience motivated her to rise and become a motivator for many.
Gender inequality also contributes to this slavery. Nayiri Arslanian, a social worker supporting trafficking victims in the Middle East, stated that “gender injustice and gender-based violence are at the root of trafficking issues and forced labor, slavery. There is much violence against women and children in the Middle East. Due to economic demands, sometimes women neglect their children. Witnessing many such cases, it is important to empower and strengthen the mental capacity and knowledge of women who can influence their communities.”
The keynote speech with the theme “impact of climate change” by UNHCR’s Ms. Safak Pavey conveyed that “engagement is compassion to provide hope for those suffering. Human dignity is a crucial element in the global struggle on this issue. Many incidents we see worldwide, the reality of climate change has direct impacts on women and children. Food shortages, job losses, they will live with higher risks. We need many helping hands to assist vulnerable groups. This vulnerability makes them easily trafficked, enslaved, and this is a system that often occurs in society. Climate change is a human act, human greed.”
In order to reach out and encounter the wounded, Sister Patricia Murray, representing UISG, delivered a message to the participants to follow the synodal teachings of the Church as advocated by Pope Francis to become the spirit for TK to walk alongside the victims. “Compassion is God’s grace bestowed upon us to listen to the suffering of others. Transformation is one of the spirits in our work. As agents of change in International TK, we work to embrace, empower, inspire, give hope, and provide a new life for those experiencing violence and suffering. Learning from Mother Mary, who listens with a compassionate heart that has immense compassion,” as conveyed by Sister Patricia Murray, IBVM Executive Director and UISG Secretary.
In the section “Socio-economic Impacts and human trafficking,” Sr. Francelien Hien, USOLA Coordinator of Talitha Kum North Africa, emphasized that “Networking is one of the effective ways to combat human trafficking. Family is the most important aspect for us in providing support. There is a spirit of listening and seeing the reality of forced migration and trafficking cases that often occur. In North Africa, we find that the Church and the government are not yet open to these situations. In 2022, there was already a protocol on protection by the African Union regarding international migration. If the Church and the government collaborate, there could be significant changes in cases like human trafficking. But the reality is they are not collaborating.” Meanwhile, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Deputy President for Program Operations and Head of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, stated that “Protection for victims is paramount. There is no respect for human dignity; poverty is a consequence of gender-based violence. This poses a challenge for us. We need advocacy at the national level to create policies that provide protection for trafficking victims.” Isabell, representing Youth Ambassadors Oceania, shared how young people in Oceania are involved in combating human trafficking. “The involvement of young people in combating trafficking is very positive and beneficial. As young people, we can learn to see global relations and contribute in various forms to prevention, intervention, and advocacy.”
In this meeting, youth ambassadors from each continent were also present. They were given the opportunity to share about their involvement, successes, challenges, and hopes regarding the Talitha Kum International network. As young people, they are highly creative in their activities and campaigns through social media, yet they face the most prominent challenge of influencing other young people to get involved. Their work as a serious form of youth engagement in the church focuses attention on combating human trafficking crimes.
[ Translation by Sr. Maria Busso SSpS, FLE]
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