Women religious form global network to combat human trafficking

Published: 2007-10-23

ROME (CNS) -- Women religious from around the world have formed a global network aimed at combating human trafficking. More than 30 nuns from 26 nations launched the initiative called the "International Network of Religious Against Trafficking in Persons" during a conference on human trafficking Oct. 15-19 in Rome. The conference and training seminar were funded by the U.S. Department of State. The events were organized by the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican and the Italian Union of Major Superiors, which, together with the International Organization for Migration, designed the training program that helps foreign women flee forced prostitution. Once upon a time, the notion of human trafficking "was a kind of global family secret," said Msgr. Pietro Parolin, Vatican undersecretary of state. But now, he said, thanks to public awareness campaigns, more people know about this $12 billion business, which in 2005 was built on the forced labor of at least 12 million people. However, he expressed hope that greater attention will translate into more decisive responses to the problem.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .