On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, celebrated every July 30, the Congregation of Adorers joins in the global struggle to eradicate this grave violation of human rights that affects millions of lives around the world.

On this day, we recall the importance of solidarity, fraternity and sisterhood, and reaffirm our commitment to justice and freedom for all people. The fight against trafficking is a shared responsibility, and every action counts on the road to eradicating this form of modern slavery.

More than 1,200 trafficked women assisted by Adorers in 2023

The data in our 2023 Annual Report of the Adorers is a testimony to human resilience and strength, a reminder that, united, all of us can accompany victims in processes of liberation and make a difference.

Of the 9,235 women assisted by our Welfare Projects in 2023, more than 1,200 were in a situation of human trafficking (for purposes of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, begging and forced marriage) and were assisted in 4 continents: Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, United Kingdom and Italy), Africa (Togo), America (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) and Asia (India and Nepal).

Human trafficking is the third main reason why women come to our projects, the first being prostitution (4,101) and the second poverty and social exclusion (1,229).

Testimony of Maria, human trafficking survivor

We share the testimony of Maria (not her real name), a survivor of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Maria was recruited at the age of 19 by a woman who offered her to work in a restaurant in Peru, but when she arrived there, it was actually a night club. For years she was trapped in the world of prostitution. One day, a friend of hers invited her to go to a workshop of the Adorers, where she learned a trade and, above all, “that the main thing is that every woman must know the strength she has within herself. To believe that she is capable, to put herself in God’s hands”.

Today María has her own business with which she supports her daughter: “Everything I didn’t have as a child, I want to give her: love, peace of mind and time”, she emphasizes. She is also grateful to the Adorers, “they helped me a lot and still continue to support me”, “I feel listened to and accompanied”.

See in this video her complete testimony of liberation:

Adorers and the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Adorers are committed to the fight against human trafficking through specific actions and comprehensive programs.

These programs include legal, psychological, medical and social assistance, as well as training and educational opportunities tailored to the specific needs of the victims. In addition, the Adorers actively participate in awareness-raising and prevention of human trafficking, collaborating with national and international organizations to strengthen policies for the protection and assistance of victims.

Likewise, in countries such as Spain, we have contributed to the drafting of a Comprehensive Law for the Prevention of Human Trafficking and the Integral Protection of all Victims, with a focus on the trafficked person.

On the other hand, we advocate for the implementation of mechanisms for the prevention and detection of this crime, as well as the identification and comprehensive specialized assistance for victims, guaranteeing shelter, protection and voluntary return to their countries of origin or legal residence.

The Congregation also promotes reflection to raise awareness about human trafficking and other forms of violence against women. In this way, we wish to unite people of all ages, cultures and confessions in this common effort, through their professional or volunteer work.

With all these actions, the Adorers Family develops our mission to accompany vulnerable women and to work for a world where human dignity is respected and protected. We try to follow the example of our foundress, St. Maria Micaela, who said: “For just one, I would give my life”.

Every action counts: How can you join the fight against human trafficking together with Adorers?

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Adorers is calling on the global community to join the fight against this form of modern slavery. Here are some ideas through which you can contribute:

1. Volunteer: Join our mission through our volunteer programs, accompany women in situations of trafficking and other forms of violence to walk their own path of Liberation. Your time and skills can be put at their service. Our Social Work is present in 24 countries in 4 continents.
2. Donations: Contribute financially to support our projects, which include legal, psychological, medical and social assistance services. Every donation, no matter how small, helps provide the resources necessary for the recovery and reintegration of women in prostitution, victims of trafficking and other forms of exploitation and violence against them.
3. Education and awareness: Inform and educate those around you about human trafficking. Share information on your social networks, organize talks in your community or participate in awareness-raising events. Education is a powerful tool to prevent human trafficking and protect those who are most vulnerable.
4. Support initiatives: Support civil initiatives and public policies that seek to prevent human trafficking and protect victims in your country or region. Sign petitions, participate in these campaigns and stay informed about the laws and regulations in your country.
5. Prayer and Reflection: Join us, Adorers, in prayer and reflection to raise awareness about human trafficking and other forms of exploitation and violence against women. We believe that spiritual union and collective reflection can enrich and strengthen commitment to this cause.

UN, 10th anniversary of World Anti-Trafficking Day: “We can leave no child behind in the fight against trafficking”

“Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” is the UN’s slogan for World Anti-Trafficking Day 2024. According to the official website of this organization, worldwide, 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking is a child, mostly girls.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons indicates that children are twice as likely as adults to suffer violence during trafficking.

Also, the proliferation of online platforms poses more risks for minors because they tend to connect to these sites without adequate protections.

Children are trafficked into various forms of trafficking, including forced labour, delinquency, begging, illegal adoption, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

The reasons why children are targeted for trafficking are numerous. Among the most common are poverty, inadequate support for unaccompanied minors in the face of increased migration and refugee flows, armed conflict, broken families and lack of parental care.

As we mark the tenth World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, this 2024 UN campaign focuses on raising awareness of the causes and vulnerabilities associated with child trafficking. The UN insists on specifically supporting child victims of trafficking and urges the public and policy makers to address current gaps and expedite action to #EndHumanTrafficking.