'Journeying in Dignity.' Talitha Kum Campaign against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children

Talitha Kum Philippines (TKP) launched an advocacy and awareness activity together with a prayer rally on February 4, Saturday, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Holy Spirit School Gym, Quezon City, Philippines.

It is an international initiative to fight against human trafficking and online sexual exploitation of children in line with the celebration of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on February 8.

The theme of this event will be “Journeying in Dignity.”

This event intends to gather at least 300 religious women and men, church and faith-based organization representatives, youth leaders from schools and socio-civic organizations, child advocates, and educators to learn together on the issue of human trafficking, specifically on online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) and identify responses and strengthen initiatives in prevention and protection of children and youth.

The event will also highlight an exhibit, an information drive on anti-trafficking initiatives from various groups and organizations, and a slogan-making contest for students and youth to showcase their creative and catchy tagline in ending human trafficking.

The series of activities leading to February 8 is in collaboration with the Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking (PIMAHT), a network of churches and faith-based organizations working continuously to end human trafficking in the country.

These activities include Eucharistic celebrations in churches and online prayer marathons participated by members and mission partners of PIMAHT, including the three largest Philippine Christian Church Councils, the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network (PCMN), and the International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines. 

TKP is a mission partner of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC) of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP).

TKP also serves as a Secretariat Member of PIMAHT.

Talitha Kum was officially established in 2009 by the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome.

In the Aramaic language, Talitha Kum means “Little girl, I say to you, rise up,” (Mk 5:41).

Talitha Kum bears witness to Jesus and His values in advocating the holiness of life, dignity, and rights of every human being, especially those who are robbed of their dignity regardless of race, religion, economic or sexual orientation, to bring equality and transformation to all levels of our society, including the church.

In the five continents, Talitha Kum Networks coordinated the anti-trafficking efforts of 50 inter-congregational networks organized at the national-local level and ten regional networks, according to the 2021 census.