Francis denounces human trafficking – A crime against humanity

“The grave issue of
modern slavery and human trafficking”, which “continues to be a scourge
throughout the world today”, is a true “crime against humanity”. Pope Francis
wrote addressed the issue of human trafficking a message to Archbishop
Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Organization, for the conference held on Thursday, 7 April, in New York.

In the English text,
the Pontiff expressed his satisfaction at the initiative, organization in
collaboration of the “Santa Marta Group”, an alliance of police and Catholic
bishops from around the world who work
in civil society in order to eradicate human trafficking and guarantee pastoral
care for victims. The group met for the first time in April 2014 at the Domus
Sanctae Marthae, which Pope Francis chose as his residence; on that occasion
the Pontiff called human trafficking an open wound for contemporary society.
The group also met in December 2014 in London and in October 2015 in Madrid.

In his message, Francis
expresses his gratitude to the member-States of the UN and to other governing
bodies, both civic and religious, which are “committed to combatting this crime
against humanity”. He also encouraged these organizations to “strengthen the
bonds of cooperation and communication which are essential to ending the
suffering of the many men, women and children who today are enslaved and sold
as if they were a mere commodity”. In this way, he writes, “solutions and
preventative measures can be promoted which will allow this evil to be
addressed at every level of society”.

With regards to this
topic, the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030, which was recently
approved, reads: “Take immediate and effective measures
to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure
the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including
recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its
forms” (n. 8.7). The Pope also expressed his wish
that “the dignity of every person” remained at the centre of the discussion,
recognizing “in all your endeavours a true service to the poorest and most
marginalized of society, who too often are forgotten and have no voice”.

Lastly the Pontiff
assured the Archbishop and all the conference participants “of the steadfast
commitment of the Catholic Church to fight against this crime and to care for
all its victims, I offer the promise of my prayers that Almighty God may bless
and guide your efforts”.