It is not being reported in the press as far as I can ascertain, but an an international meeting on human trafficking is being held as we speak in Quito, Ecuador. The meeting’s title is Meeting on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Attendees are from seveal South American countries and the United States.
Human trafficking, i.e., the deceitful or violent movement of human beings from place to place rendering them for all intents and purposes slaves, is a huge problem aroung the world. Estimates are that about 800,000 people are victims every year. Yes, nearly a million on a yearly basis.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in the World, has put “… at the service of the fight against human trafficking all our network of religious in the world.” In other words, all of us deacons, priests, bishops and professed religious men and women are being called to prevent the scourge of human trafficking. It is happening right here in this country.
The Vatican also held a conference not long ago on this topic. The final declaration of that event read: “the problem is becoming more dramatic and real, and is the second most lucrative international crime, illegal trade after weapons.”
Let us at least keep all of this in mind and in our prayers. Let us also raise the awareness of others to this very real attack on human dignity and life.
Read more at: www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=31560&lan=eng
