By Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe –
July 30th was the UN day to mark the realities of human trafficking in the world. A lot has been done by the international communities and national governments to prevent this heinous crime against humanity. There are also stringent international and national legal instruments to combat this peril of humanity which is described as the ‘Modern Slavery’. And yet, a lot can be done by Christian faith communities all over the world .
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world in innumerable ways and it has also made the trafficking crimes more common although not so visible. Human trafficking targets on the helpless persons during Covid pandemic.
Where can human trafficking victims be found?
Targets of human trafficking can be found in homes as domestic helpers, restaurants, bars, salons and similar businesses. The money-making sex industry bank on greatly on human trafficking methods. Escorts and workers in massage parlours are also often sufferers. There is often no outlet for those being ill-treated. The compulsions carried by the individuals dwell the most private areas of daily life.
How can Christians and Christian Churches respond?
As Christians we do uphold Christian principles and so we need to take an active attitude to end these atrocities. Through education, advocacy and the formation of partnerships, we can foster change and collectively help to address human trafficking. To this end, we can reach out to our Churches and church leaders to spread awareness surrounding human trafficking and instruct willing individuals. Christian Churches do have several physical and digital platforms for combatting human trafficking.
Examples from the Bible
It is worth bearing in mind one of the first recorded example of child slavery prevention found in the Bible (2 Kings 4:1–7). The widow went to Elisha and told him that the creditors were going to take her two sons as slaves. The Prophet Elisha did not focus on the boys but he empowered the mother and God exhibited His blessing.
In the words of Jesus, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40). The commanding words of Jesus applies to those suffering from the bondage. It does happen when we acknowledge the immorality associated with trafficking, diagnose its presence and seek to liberate those ensnared that we truly gain virtue in the eyes of the Lord.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives” (Luke 4:18-19). Through Christian assistance to the vulnerable we truly walk in the path of Jesus.
Possible frontiers of ecumenical collaboration
“Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it” (Habakkuk 2:2). This verse can be considered for a roadmap.
- Ecumenical partnerships can stand up against human trafficking through the formation of partnerships that can collectively bolster the fight against this atrocity. By forming these connections and logistical resources we can make attempts to help our boys and girls. Ecumenical coalition building is therefore paramount in deterring traffickers.
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Raise awareness of human Trafficking by sharing of information especially those who are vulnerable to being trafficked.
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Rescue missions are not something we can do as individual Churches. To get the rescue process underway, there is a need to work with different church groups.
Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe is the secretary for NEIRBC Commission for Ecumenism