Each year, an estimated 18,000 people are trafficked in the USA alone, making human trafficking, often referred to as a “modern day slave trade,” one of the most pressing human-rights issues we face. Recently, President Obama declared January to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month in a statement that reads in part:
Nearly a century and a half ago, President Abraham Lincoln issuedthe Emancipation Proclamation — a document that reaffirmed the noble
goals of equality and freedom for all that lie at the heart of what it
means to live in America. In the years since, we have tirelessly pursued the realization and
protection of these essential principles. Yet, despite our successes,
thousands of individuals living in the United States and still more
abroad suffer in silence under the intolerable yoke of modern slavery. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we
stand with all those who are held in compelled service; we recognize
the people, organizations and government entities that are working to
combat human trafficking; and we recommit to bringing an end to this
inexcusable human rights abuse. You can read the rest of the address here.
Sr. Judeen discusses human trafficking with people she has met on the street
The Sisters of Notre Dame have long been committed to combating Human Trafficking in Southern California, partnering with CAST both to work with law enforcement and in raising awareness. Last weekend, the SNDs met up in LA with other concerned organizations and heard stories from survivors of human trafficking followed by a three-mile awareness walk. By talking to survivors and sharing their stories with others, we are taking the first steps toward ending modern slavery.
We pause for just a moment before the walk begins
We ask you to partner with us this month in prayer. Please consider adding Human Trafficking to your prayer intentions both for the victims of this horrible crime, that they may be healed and find strength to grow again, and also for ourselves, that we may be channels of mercy and hope.
