The crime of Human Trafficking entails egregious forms of Human exploitation and abuse. The offenders behind this cardinal sin perpetuate this heinous crime on the marginalized and the weaker strata of society, for their selfish benefit. The episode has grave psychological consequences on the victim and leaves an indelible mark on his/her life forever. The menace of Human Trafficking is the modern phenomenon of Human Enslavement that thrives in an invisible market making it much more difficult to combat effectively. The root cause of the issue is multifaceted and thus calls for a collective convergence of actions from different stakeholders at all levels.

The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking is observed on 8th February honouring St Josephine Bakhita, a young South Sudanese woman, who was bought and sold into slavery. St Bhakita has become now the patron saint who represents the victims confined in perpetual servitude and their struggles to attain freedom. Her life has been inspirational to many navigating through the trauma faced during the experience. The day of prayer is held to pray for the victims and survivors of the crime to raise awareness around Human Trafficking.

Caritas India observed the day of prayer in different locations across the country. Children and the elderly including staff members took out processions with candles to stand in solidarity with the trafficked victims
Pilgrimage is a practice that carries deep spiritual meaning across all faiths. Religions around the world recognize the journey traversed as an act of spiritual attainment that cleanses the soul of all wrongs.

Recognizing the value inspired by the act, this year the theme of International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking was “Journeying in Dignity”. This journey is to represent the path from the darkness of exploitation and freedom of human dignity. The journey is an effort to walk in the path of millions who migrate fleeing their homeland in search of a better life. To walk is to travel in the steps of these people surrounded by the vulnerability that leads them into the dark web of violence, trafficking, and endless exploitation.

The anti-human trafficking partners of Northeast observed the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking at different locations of Cachar, Karimganj, Udalguri, Kokrajhar, Golaghat and West Kameng to commemorate St. Josephine Bakhita’s day.

The day was marked with community prayers and awareness creation by citing the examples of courage and resilience of Bakhita. This day holds a special significance for the anti-human trafficking partners to convey the message of hope to survivors of Human Trafficking and take efforts to restore human dignity.

Awareness was also raised on the misuse of social media and how it augments human trafficking. As per experts, excessive use of smartphones by children and youth, a rising trend in villages, has led to a surge in trafficking incidents. So, to counter this, awareness programmes for youngsters and parents were also organised.

Caritas India Head Office in New Delhi also observed the day of prayer honouring St Bakhita. The entire staff took part in the “journey of dignity walk” to attempt to understand the ordeal the trafficked individuals undergo at different stages of their experience. The walk began with the reader announcing the nature and purpose of the walk with various “stops/stations” symbolizing different intervals in the journey of trafficking.

• Station 1: Encountering people marked by the painful reality of exploitation and human trafficking.
• Station II: Building bridges between victims and survivors of human trafficking and people committed to end human trafficking.
• Station III: Encountering one another to establish universal fraternity and social friendship.
• Station IV: Acknowledging the space of human dignity (my own and that of each person).

Fr. Paul, Executive Director of Caritas India, in his address reiterated the gravity of the crime of human enslavement. He spoke about the value of freedom and the need to recognize the privilege enjoyed by most people. Fr. Paul emphasized the need to orient our personal and professional lives in fighting the different forms of enslavement. He encouraged the practice of being aware and vigilant in identifying the ideations of human trafficking to curb it. The march ended with a pledge by Caritas India staff to take all measures in their capacity to struggle against the menace of Human Trafficking.