Right now Franciscans International is hosting a week-long training session for people involved in the prevention of trafficking around the world. Coincidentally, the United Nations itself hosted at thematic event on the issue in New York.
Two Irish religious sisters are attending the event, Sr. Mary Mangan SHJM and Sr. Mary Ryan RSM, both representing an Irish advocacy organisation, Action to Prevent Trafficking (APT). Irish religious, both men and women, are involved in the combatting of trafficking. Many bring unique skills to the work, including, for example, familiarity with the native languages of the victims of trafficking into Europe, many of whom come from African countries.
According to the United Nations some 2.5 million people, including especially women and children, are trafficked annually around the world. It represents a $32 billion dollar industry of enslavement and abuse.
Irish Franciscans and Good Shepherd Sisters combat Trafficking