our fight against human trafficking on the border with Myanmar

The annual report of the organization was presented worldwide, with the nuns at the forefront of the fight against this scourge. In 2022 there were 9,329 victims in Asia who received protection from this organization, which operates in 20 different countries. The testimony of a Thai nun.

Rome () – In 2022 there were 9,329 victims of human trafficking in Asia who received protection from Talitha Kum, the network founded in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) to unite the forces of religious women in the fight against this sad phenomenon. The data is in the annual activities report produced by the body, with which some men’s congregations, associations and people of different religions also currently collaborate.

“Last year – explains Sr. Abby Avelino, a Philippine religious of the Maryknoll Missionaries and international coordinator – was one of the most difficult we have experienced, because there were many interconnected crises, such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflicts in many countries (Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Syria, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, etc.) and the war in Ukraine, which has caused suffering to millions of people, without forgetting the devastating natural catastrophes as a consequence of climate change. All of these crises have a direct impact on human trafficking internationally.Talitha Kum members continue to answer our Call to Action, healing, bringing relief, offering tools and engaging in the lives of victims and survivors, and also of populations at risk of trafficking and exploitation”.

In the section dedicated to Asia, the regional coordinator, Sister Paula Kwandao Phonprasertruksa, of the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres, recalls, among the important experiences of the past year, the presence of Talitha Kum in Bangkok, at the Assembly on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), which made it possible to strengthen the network of contacts. From the report -along with the infographics that summarize Talitha Kum’s commitment on the continent (figures 2 and 3) and speak of 21 congregations involved in 20 different countries- we take this unsigned testimony from a Thai nun who ministers alongside the victims of human trafficking at the border with Myanmar.

“The fight against human trafficking in Thailand is a great challenge due to the border with Myanmar and the constant flow of people fleeing violence and war, who are especially vulnerable to this phenomenon. Not to mention that our government previous campaign promoted prostitution. As social workers, we cannot remain passive in the face of this reality. We must do everything possible to help all people who need support to improve the quality of their lives.

In this work the biggest challenge is to reach young people. It worries me a lot when I see them in the refugee camps, living in poverty and with so much free time. They tend to follow everything they see on the internet, which can be very violent, and are at risk of becoming involved in drug trafficking and consumption. We fight to give them a horizon for the future and get them out of those harmful circles.

The most beautiful experience of my work, on the other hand, is when I am helping women, men, adolescents and children who have survived human trafficking. I feel lucky to be able to help them and walk alongside them as they reintegrate into society. This makes me very happy; it is really beautiful to see a person overcome these difficulties.

My heart aches when I see new cases and complicated situations of people who have been victims of trafficking. I feel like a mother whose son is suffering. As a mother, I would do anything to help my son. I carry them in my heart and in my prayers, and although it is difficult to win this battle, I trust in God and try to heal and help where needed.

I am convinced that being part of the Talitha Kum network helps us better fight human trafficking. I hope and pray that young ambassadors from many countries will join our efforts; they give me hope. Through interfaith collaboration we can engage more young people and put Talitha Kum’s ‘call to action’ into practice, to improve information, communication, prevention, networking and defensive measures.

Talitha Kum Thailand collaborates with the government thanks to the Thai law against human trafficking. But we do not stop there. As brides of Christ, we are part of religious congregations that provide care and hope to restore human dignity. Our goal is to promote access to justice and help people on their way. I feel stronger when I meet and collaborate with many different religious congregations. I believe that the hands of Jesus Christ guide everything and that Jesus loves me and you. He helps us to become love, to help victims of human trafficking to recover and have a decent life.”

Photo: Talitha Kum / @Christian Van Lohiuzen