Daniel del Castillo González
Slavery isn't a thing of the past. Today, it remains one of the world's most profitable criminal enterprises.
On the International Day Against Human Trafficking, the worldwide network Talitha Kum, led by the International Union of Superiors General, released its annual report.
It is estimated that about 50 million people live trapped in various forms of modern day slavery.
Human trafficking generates an estimated $236 million in profits every year. Behind these numbers are sexually exploited women, workers forced to endure inhumane conditions, children compelled to beg and people held captive to carry out online scams.
SR. CARMEN UGARTE
Talitha Kum
Social media and the online world have become powerful tools for recruiting victims. So, we need to raise awareness about these situations and realities.
Digital exploitation is only a part of the problem. Human trafficking is fueled by poverty, inequality and armed conflict.
SR. CARMEN UGARTE
Talitha Kum
Yes, it often starts with love. With romantic love, the promise of 'I love you,' 'you're the love of my life,'
They fall in love, and that's how they end up falling into the trap. The vulnerable circumstances so many face are what lead them into situations like this.
Talitha Kum's report also offers reasons for hope. The network operates through 68 organizations in 113 countries. More than 6,000 religious sisters and collaborators work with 1,000 religious communities.
Last year alone, the network reached over a million people.
It directly accompanied more than 27,000 survivors and improved social reintegration and mental health support programs.
SR. CARMEN UGARTE
Talitha Kum
Criminals have realized it's more profitable to sell a young woman over and over again. There's more money in it. A shipment of drugs is sold once, and that's it. But a woman can be sold repeatedly.
The biggest challenge is preventing new victims from being drawn in. Human trafficking doesn't begin at a border crossing or with a criminal organization. More often, it starts long before that, with a need, a promise and a click.
