Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking
On 8th February the Unions of Superiors and Superiors General of Religious Institutes organize the Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking
Inspired by the commitment of young people from all over the world, the theme of the 10th Edition International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking 2024 (IDPAAHT) is JOURNEYING IN DIGNITY: LISTEN, DREAM, ACT.
The IDPAAHT is celebrated annually on the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita on 8 February, since formally observed in 2015. The primary objective of this Day is to create a greater awareness of the phenomenon of human trafficking and to reflect on the situation of violence and injustice that affects so many people’s lives. Another goal is to attempt to provide solutions to counter human trafficking by taking concrete actions.
A week of mobilization and prayer with youth engagement at the center
Thousands of people worldwide – in many parishes, communities, and associations – will gather to reflect, pray, and share their experiences of engagement against this global phenomenon.
Main events are the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, February 4 and on Tuesday, February 6, at 4:15 pm, a flash mob against trafficking in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome. Following that, at 5:30 pm, there will be an ecumenical vigil of prayer in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere in 5 languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) based on the five elements: water, fire, air, metal, and eart(see in Resources). On Wednesday, February 7, the international group will participate in the Audience with Pope Francis in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.
On Thursday, February 8, the Online Pilgrimage of prayer and awareness against human trafficking will take place, crossing all continents and time zones. It begins at 9:30 am from Oceania, followed by Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, South America, and finally concludes at 4:30 pm with North America. Over 50 countries are involved, and the central block, for the second consecutive year, is entrusted to young people engaged against trafficking. The event is broadcast live in 5 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian) on www.prayagainsttrafficking.net
The initiative is coordinated by Talitha Kum, the international anti-trafficking network with over 6,000 sisters, friends, and partners. On Tuesday 30 January at 2.30 p.m. (Rome time), Talitha Kum, presents a new initiative: the ‘Walking In Dignity’ App, a digital app that invites people to walk on this journey toward awareness of human trafficking and its prevention. This app is a creative and innovative tool which offers features such as a virtual journey for collecting tokens in tandem with real-life steps. Simultaneously, users can gain insights into various perspectives on human trafficking while earning steps. Click here to participate in the launching event on Zoom.