Together Against Human Trafficking
On February 8, the Church commemorates the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT)
During the week of February 2–8, 2025, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT) will be commemorated, culminating on February 8. The theme for the 11th edition “Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking” is inspired by Pope Francis’ call for peace and hope.
Established in 2015, IDPAAHT is observed annually on February 8, coinciding with the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who symbolizes the Catholic Church’s commitment to fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.
This year’s event aligns with the Jubilee 2025 theme, emphasizing the need to be signs of hope for those facing difficulties. The IDPAAHT aims to confront the global issue of human trafficking through tangible actions.
Participants, including young people, lawyers, activists, survivors, and public figures, will gather in Rome or join virtually from February 2 to 8, 2025, promoting a week-long pilgrimage of hope to end human trafficking.
In Rome, the events will begin on Sunday, February 2, with the participation in the Angelus prayer with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square.
Monday, February 3: The delegation of young people will embark on a pilgrimage through three Holy Doors of the Jubilee, using the Walking in Dignity app.
Tuesday, February 4: A flash mob against trafficking will take place at 4:30 PM in Piazza SantaMaria in Trastevere, followed by an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil in English and Italian at 5:30 PM in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Wednesday, February 5: Continuing training and awareness activities on human trafficking.
Thursday, February 6: In the morning, a youth pilgrimage through the Holy Doors, followed by an event titled “A Call for Hope and Healing” from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. The event will feature testimonies from survivors of human trafficking,young people, advocates, and performances by artists such as the Gen Verde band.
On the morning of Friday, February 7, Pope Francis will meet with the delegation of youth ambassadors, survivors, and representatives of the organizing networks. Immediately afterward, an online prayer and awareness pilgrimage against human trafficking will
take place across all continents and time zones—from Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America. The event will be live-streamed in five languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian) on: www.prayagainsttrafficking.net
Saturday February 8, the youth ambassadors will gather for a full day of dialogue and work,culminating in the launch of a new global call to action against human trafficking. This initiative will serve as a new tool for awareness and mobilization, to be used across networks worldwide. HERE the full detailed program and how to participate.