Human Trafficking

The fight against human trafficking needs to include promoting the ethical and responsible use of technology and social media, Pope Francis said.

Poverty and inequality, which are major factors in child labor exploitation, must be addressed, Pope Francis said in a written message.

Pope Francis receives participants in the "International Trinitarian Solidarity“ conference in audience in the Vatican, and points to the dramatic actuality of their charism that promotes action against religious persecution and solidarity with victims of slavery, oppression, exclusion, and persecution.

The Vatican Permanent Observer to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) reaffirms the urgent need for more effective protection systems for victims of human trafficking, amid growing concerns for women and children fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Refugee advocacy groups are warning that the United Kingdom’s resettlement program for Ukrainian refugees is susceptible for abuse by human traffickers.

Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, sounds the alarm about the risk Ukrainian women and children refugees face at the hands of human traffickers.

As the conflict continues in Ukraine, humanitarian agencies are warning of the increased risk of human trafficking for people fleeing the country.