Talitha Kum: Over 75,000 people were prevented from human trafficking in Asia

In 2022, as many as 75,620 people were prevented from human trafficking in Asia, says Talitha Kum, a network set up in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).

 According to its latest annual report, released on June 16, as many as 9,329 victims of human trafficking in Asia received protection.

Talitha Kum, as a network, fights, prevents, and creates awareness of human trafficking on a global scale. It also advocates against human trafficking in all its forms and strongly tries to eliminate it. 

"Prevention and care for victims were the Asian network’s priorities. It was strengthened through training and awareness-raising campaigns in schools, parishes, and local communities, targeting especially women, youth, religious communities, tribal communities, and migrant workers," says Sr. Paula Kwandao Phonprasertruksa, SPC Regional Representative for Asia.

The network members in Asia conducted learning activities for students about human trafficking, creative arts activities, and youth games. They provided physical and psychological support.

Talitha Kum Asia reached out to as many as 95,793 people in its network in 20 countries, with 2604 members, including Catholic nuns, NGOs, and governmental and intergovernmental agencies.

 Regarding presentation, there are 76 Catholic agencies, 59 NGOs, and 38 governmental and intergovernmental agencies.

 Nuns from 210 congregations are engaged in anti-human trafficking efforts through its 18 national networks in Asia. 

The fight against human trafficking is an uphill task. 

"Although it seems an impossible task, especially in the face of political turmoil still happening throughout different parts of Asia, we persevere and firmly believe that our determination will not be in vain," says Phonprasertruksa, a Thai Catholic nun. 

The Asia Talitha Kum Network educates people, especially youth, through awareness and prevention campaigns. 

"Integrating the subject into the school's curriculum is one of the best ways to reach out and touch the minds of young people," she said. "Education and capacity-building training activities in different communities, whether in the mountains or on the islands, churches, schools, agencies, and the like, have been crucial."

The organization continuously networks and collaborates with government and private agencies and other religions. 

Phonprasertruksa states, "More young people, such as ‘Talitha Kum Youth,’ are getting involved and interested in contributing to the anti-human trafficking efforts. 

"This is the fruit of the launching of the Youth Ambassadors program. Our attendance at the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference (FABC) held in the Pastoral Training Center of the Bangkok Archdiocese, Thailand, in October 2022 was beneficial in recognizing the presence and efforts being made by Talitha Kum Asia," she said. 

Nuns in Asia are "getting in touch with their respective bishops to collaborate in setting up programs to combat human trafficking and exploitation," the nun added.

The network's priority program has been strengthening the rescue process and assisting the victims/survivors in social reintegration and rehabilitation. 

Talitha Kum Asia marks February 8 as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking and the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30. 

Through the capacity building of new members, the network has already published its "Training Manual, Manual for Call to Action, and Guidelines for Youth Ambassadors."

Echoing the works of Pope Francis, the nun said, "Never tire of seeking pathways for transforming our societies and preventing the shameful scourge that is human trafficking."- Santosh Digal