Ambassadors of Hope launch call to action against human trafficking on Women's Day

On International Women’s Day, the Ambassadors of Hope from the global network advocating for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking launched a Call to Action to confront the ongoing crisis of modern slavery. 

The initiative, developed by young advocates, survivors, and experts, urges governments, institutions, and individuals to take concrete steps toward eradicating human trafficking, a crime that disproportionately affects women and children.

"We have chosen this significant day to reaffirm our commitment, recognizing that 70% of trafficking victims are women and girls," stated Sister Abby Avelino, coordinator of the initiative and Talitha Kum International, on March 6, 2025. "Through this Call to Action, we stand in solidarity with survivors, migrants, refugees, and young advocates working to end this grave injustice." 

The declaration calls for prayer, advocacy, and survivor-centered approaches, emphasizing rehabilitation, education, and global collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks.

Pope Francis echoed this urgent appeal in his message to the organizers of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, denouncing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

"We must not tolerate the shameful exploitation of so many sisters and brothers. Trafficking in human bodies, the sexual exploitation of children, and forced labor are a disgrace and a serious violation of fundamental human rights," the pope declared.

He called on the global community to unite against this crime, urging leaders to address the root causes of trafficking, including war, poverty, and climate change, which force people into desperate situations.

Highlighting the role of young people, Pope Francis praised the Ambassadors of Hope for their dedication. "The young people around the world fighting against trafficking offer us an example. They tell us that we must become ambassadors of hope and act together with tenacity and love." 

He encouraged governments and organizations to join forces in defending human dignity, calling for targeted initiatives to break the economic and criminal mechanisms behind human trafficking.

The full Call to Action is available in multiple languages at www.prayagainsttrafficking.net

The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and the Union of Superiors General (USG) are leading this global movement. They are working with other important groups, such as the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Dicastery for Communication, and the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. 

Catholic and humanitarian organizations worldwide entrust Talitha Kum International with coordination. Together, they stand as a united force in the collective mission to defend human dignity and eradicate human trafficking in all its forms.