Meeting aims to raise awareness about human trafficking in dioceses

Published: 2004-07-27

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Each year an estimated 800,000 to 900,000 people fall prey to international human traffickers. Mostly women and children, the victims are forced or tricked into sexual or labor exploitation -- a modern form of slavery that victim rights groups say is growing around the world. Yet because human trafficking is intensely secretive and kept underground, it's not easy to identify victims or bring traffickers to justice. Participants at a July 20-22 national conference in Baltimore were urged to raise awareness about trafficking in their home dioceses so that victims can be recognized and supported by diocesan and parish leaders. The conference on trafficking, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Catholic Women, drew 77 women religious and other women.

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