The Reality of Human Trafficking

One of the major platforms of the 2014 IBVM General Congregation was a strong stance on human trafficking. Together with many religious congregations, Loreto Sisters are working at the forefront of direct support for victims, advocacy and policy making. Internationally, the Union of Superiors General (UISG) established Talitha Kum, an umbrella group of religious congregations working in this justice space. I

Sr Imelda Poole ibvm is the immediate President of Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation – RENATE. Imelda is an English Loreto Sister who received an MBE for her ministry in 2019. Sr Imelda’s leadership in this field is enormous and far-reaching.

Mary Ward’s Institute is animated by a global network of Sisters from each Province who work together to coordinate information sharing, awareness-raising and action across each Province. Action against Human Trafficking is a major focus of the work of the IBVM/CJ Office at the United Nations. 

Mary Ward International Australia support combatting human trafficking initiatives led by these Loreto partners:

• Human Trafficking and Exploitation within the Filipino Community in Albania, run by Loreto Mary Ward Albania
• Leadership and empowerment program for survivors of trafficking and abuse, run by the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre
• Combatting Human Trafficking, run by the Loreto Sisters, East Africa Province

Across the Province network two major days focus our attention on prayer, awareness-raising and action related to trafficking in persons: 

February 8:  The Feast of St Josephine Bakhita

July 30: International Day Against Trafficking in Persons