Talitha Kum, a network set up in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) to combat trafficking, protected 9,329 victims of human trafficking in Asia last year according the organisation’s annual report.
The report, released on 16 June, looked at its work in Asia with 210 congregations in 20 countries.
One unnamed Thai woman religious, reporting on her ministry alongside the victims of human trafficking on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, said, “Working against human trafficking in Thailand is a grave challenge due to our border with Myanmar and the constant flow of people escaping violence and war who are vulnerable to exploitation.”
She said the biggest challenge of this work is raising awareness among youth. “I am very concerned to see them in refugee camps, living in poverty with a lot of free time, and they tend to follow everything they see online, which can be very violent, and are at risk of getting caught up in drug dealing and consumption.”
She added, “We struggle to inspire them and pull them out of these harmful cycles.” She described as “the most beautiful experience of my work” helping women, men, teenagers, and children, who have survived human trafficking and are trying to re-enter society.
The woman religious felt that “being part of Talitha Kum helps us to better overcome human trafficking.” She hoped youth ambassadors from many countries would support the work.
She suggested that “through interfaith collaboration we can engage more young people and put into practice Talitha Kum’s ‘Call to Action,’ to strengthen our information, communication, prevention, networking, and advocacy.” Talitha Kum Thailand collaborates with the government thanks to the Thai law against human trafficking.
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