COVID19 aggravated conditions of poverty around the world, and according to the United Nations 2021 Sustainable Development Goals Report, poverty rates increased for the first time in a generation. The situation created larger pools of vulnerable persons who, due to their worsened economic situation, were recruited for labour or sexual exploitation. Women, children, and migrants are especially vulnerable to recruitment and exploitation.
The 60th Session of the Commission for Social Development Priority Theme seek to address the situation through a more inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 and the eradication of poverty and hunger.
We organized a side event on “Poverty, Hunger and Human Trafficking in Person; Interventions and Good practices from Faith-based Organizations.” Our speakers shared their expertise and the work of their organisation to end forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking. We were joined by over 79 members of our network and NGO colleagues.
Prof. Michel Veuthey, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Geneva, spoke about the role of the state and the important work and collaboration of the with civil society, in particular the faith based organisations.
Sr. Imelda Poole IBVM, President of RENATE shared the work of this European network of religious who are committed to work together against human trafficking and exploitation. She spoke about their work in education and advocacy not just among their members but within their communities.
Nabanita Shome, Coordinator of Red-light Project Sonagachi-Kolkata, India spoke about the work that Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre in educating young people and their local community in the prevention of human trafficking especially among young people. They work in partnership with the local authorities, schools and community in the protection and prevention of their people.
A human trafficking survivor rescued by the team of the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, gave a short message through a video on her lived experience and highlighted the role of survivors as key actors in combatting human trafficking.
Watch the webinar HERE.
Author: Cynthia Mathew CJ
