Today, 30 July is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with this year’s theme: “Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.” The focus is on how law enforcement, criminal justice, and society must work together in a victim-survivor-centered approach to stop this scourge, according to Vatican News.
Between 2019 and 2022, the number of forced labor victim-survivors worldwide rose by 47 percent. In 2022, 61 percent of all trafficked persons were female—39 percent adults and 22 percent girls. UNODC reports that at least 162 nationalities were trafficked into 128 countries, with 31 percent of cross-border victims coming from African countries. The agency warns that trafficking is increasingly carried out with greater violence, over longer distances, for longer durations, and for greater profit (Vatican News).
Even though official estimates for 2020–2023 totalled around 200,000 reported survivors, the actual number is believed to be far higher as most cases go unseen and unreported. Organized crime networks are a major driver, coercing people into forced labor or criminal activities, while judicial responses worldwide continue to fall short (Vatican News).
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Pope John XXIII Community released its 2025 report, “Trafficking: Understanding its Causes and Protecting Exploited People in the Murky Side of Migration.” The report reveals that more than 50 million people are currently being exploited and that approximately 800,000 more fall into exploitation each year (Vatican News). Community President Matteo Fadda urged governments to recognize where recruitment occurs—online, in person, and along migration routes—and to intervene promptly, especially at disembarkation points in places like Greece.
The international network of Catholic sisters, Talitha Kum, also released its 2024 report. Over the past year, it reached 939,185 people, a 20 percent increase over 2023. The sisters provided direct support to 46,863 victim-survivors, including safe shelter, trauma-informed care, legal assistance, and skills training. Their prevention initiatives reached 690,356 people, an 11 percent increase. Sister Abby Avelino, the group’s international coordinator, emphasized the importance of survivor-centered care and advocacy, noting that Talitha Kum’s work now spans regions from Ghana to South Korea, and Brazil to Ireland (Press Office of the Holy See).
For Catholics, this day is a call to action rooted in the Gospel. Before passing, Pope Francis repeatedly reminded the faithful not to lose hope in the fight against human trafficking, saying that the Church must respond through prayer, courage, and practical initiatives that dismantle the systems of exploitation (Catholic News Agency).
Parishes can respond by offering Masses and prayers for survivors, educating communities about online recruitment risks, supporting legislation that strengthens cross-border cooperation, and partnering with organizations like Talitha Kum and the Pope John XXIII Community. Listening to survivors, advocating for justice, and building an economy of care are all integral parts of Catholic social teaching.
As Pope Francis reminded us, it is only by lifting our eyes to Christ, our hope, that we can find the strength for a renewed commitment to end modern-day slavery. Let this World Day Against Human Trafficking move us to prayer, advocacy, and concrete action to defend human dignity.
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