by Card. Oswald Gracias*

Next Sunday, the first day of prayer and reflection against human trafficking, was presented today at the Vatican. The archbishop of Mumbai notes that this phenomenon is "a horrific crime against the fundamental rights and the dignity of the human person" and "the world's third largest illegal activity after smuggling of drugs and weapons."

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The International Day against Human Trafficking next Sunday, 8 February, is a mobilisation of awareness and prayer on a global scale. Yes, our awareness must expand and extend to the very depths of this evil and its farthest reaches . . . from awareness to prayer . . . from prayer to solidarity . . . and from solidarity to concerted action, until slavery and trafficking are no more," said Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, as he presented the Day this morning at the Vatican.

The celebration falls on the day that the Church remembers Saint Josephine Bakhita. For those who cry out - usually in silence - for liberation, St Josephine Bakhita is "an exemplary witness of hope," the cardinal said. We - victims and advocates alike - could do no better than be inspired by her life and entrust our efforts to her intercession.

During the meeting at the Vatican, a webpage titled a light against human trafficking was dedicated to fighting trafficking.

On the occasion of the International Day, Card Oswald Gracias, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), sent AsiaNews his thoughts on the problem of trafficking in India and Asia.

In preparation for 8 February, the first International Day of prayer and reflection against human trafficking, the Church in Asia will observe the novena of Saint Bakhita from 30 January to 7 February. Saint Bakhita is represented as a sign of hope and freedom from slavery.

The Church in Asia Church has tirelessly devoted itself to raising awareness about the more than 21 million women, men and children who suffer every day from modern slavery.

Through the Asian Movement of Women Religious Against Human Trafficking (AMRAT), which is a collaborative effort of women religious in South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), the Church in Asia is committed to protecting and promoting the human dignity of the marginalised. The challenges it faces are twofold, that of ending human trafficking and that of promoting safe migration, in partnership with equally motivated organisations, institutions and individuals.

The Archdiocese of Mumbai and the Church in Asia began the novena on 30 January, to prepare for the International Day of prayer and reflection against trafficking in people, in order to make people realise the nature of this serious injustice, which is another form of slavery.

Pope Francis has addressed this question very often, inviting us in a particular to reflect. In appealing for direct action, he said, "I reiterate here that 'human trafficking' is despicable, a disgrace to societies that claim to be civilised!" (Address to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, 24 May 2013).

In fact, human trafficking is not only a problem in India, but worldwide. Trafficking and its causes are rooted in poverty, illiteracy, lack of opportunities, gender discrimination, social and political violence, and demand for services the victims are forced to offer. Such people are considered as a valuable commodity in the sex trade or the labour market.

Traffickers target vulnerable individuals, poised for exploitation by their desperation, misfortune and ignorance. Women, men and children fall prey to trafficking worldwide, lured by false promises of employment opportunities or a better life, abducted or sold outright by families, who are themselves in need money or hope to provide a better life for their other children.

Human trafficking, the world's third largest illegal activity after smuggling of drugs and weapons, continues to thrive despite the existence of adequate legal provisions. Human trafficking is a horrific crime against the fundamental rights and the dignity of the human person.

One of the most urgent challenges in addressing this issue is precisely this lack of awareness about the forms and causes of human trafficking. Awareness improves the rescue rate of victims, because the latter will be able to save themselves. [Being aware] helps because when a potential victim knows who to call or where to go, the response will be immediate.

We value, encourage and support AMRAT, and call on others to be more engaged in the humanisation of society. This is the new evangelisation in a direct form. It is to spread the Kingdom of God. [We are] No longer slaves, but sisters and brothers.

*Archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC)

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)

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