The Fight Against Human Trafficking

“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society; A scourge against the body of Christ. It is a crime against humanity.” Pope Francis

Combating trafficking in persons in all its forms is a significant work of the Order of Malta, which is committed to raising awareness of this terrible scourge and in protecting victims of human trafficking. The Federal Association is currently looking into specific ways to increase support of this work.

Human trafficking is a complex issue with a variety of manifestations. Also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, it is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. It is the commodification of the human person. The estimate of the number of human trafficking victims ranges from 2.4 million to over 29 million.  It can take the form of labor trafficking, sex trafficking, organ trafficking, child trafficking, and internet trafficking. Anti-trafficking efforts include prevention, protection, and partnership aimed at ending human trafficking and supporting the victims. These efforts require collaboration among a variety of sectors such as law enforcement, medical professionals, education, and religious and social justice organizations.

Since 2017 the Order of Malta has been actively engaged in anti-human trafficking efforts, including the appointment of two ambassadors tasked with combating human trafficking: based in Geneva, Michel Veuthey (ambassador to monitor and combat trafficking in persons); and based in Africa, Romain Champierrede Villeneuve (ambassador at-large for Africa). Together they strengthen the commitment of the Order of Malta in preventing the trafficking of humans and protecting the victims, with projects both at local and diplomatic levels.  More information on these international efforts can be found at https://nohumantrafficking.orderofmalta.int/en/

The Federal Association, equally concerned with eradicating trafficking and supporting victims and survivors, has established a committee to look at the variety of ways to support these efforts. Over the next few months, the committee will explore raising awareness through efforts at both the federal and regional levels, as well as with the other U.S. associations. As we build these efforts, please keep survivors and victims of human trafficking in your prayers, as well as those seeking to end human trafficking in all its forms.