The Fight Against Human Trafficking: PACTPAN Launches Campaign
On Saturday, 8 February 2025, over 20,000 participants from 31 countries gathered for a webinar organized by the Pan-African Network for Catholic Theology and Pastoral (PACTPAN). The focus of the event was the launch of the network’s campaign against human trafficking, aiming to combat and eradicate modern slavery by 2030.
The webinar’s theme, “Restoring Hope to Africa,” resonated with participants who connected virtually from Africa, Europe, and America. The day marked the Anti-Human Trafficking Day, established by Pope Francis in 2015 to coincide with the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a former enslaved Sudanese girl who became a Canossian religious sister in Italy.
Keynote speaker Vice President Jessica Alupo of Uganda highlighted the global crisis of human trafficking, emphasizing the need for a unified response to end exploitation through forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other heinous practices. She called for collaborative efforts across sectors to combat the scourge and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The Challenges of Labor Export
Ms. Alupo’s address underscored the disturbing reality of labor export operating alongside illegal human trafficking, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and suffering for desperate individuals seeking a better life. The misuse of technology by traffickers further complicates efforts to combat this grave injustice.
She called for urgent action and emphasized the moral imperative of standing against this violation of fundamental human rights. Human trafficking, she stressed, is not just about victims but about human dignity, justice, and freedom for all.
The Trauma of Survivors
Survivors of human trafficking, such as Peter Benjamin from Benin and Deborah from Kenya, shared their harrowing experiences, highlighting the brutal realities faced by victims of exploitation. Their stories served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to end modern slavery and provide support for survivors.
Enough! Africa Must Rise and Act
Sister Katunge, Coordinator of the project against human trafficking in Africa, reiterated PACTPAN’s mission to end modern slavery through awareness, education, and empowerment. The network aims to save, rehabilitate, and reintegrate survivors through pastoral care, psychological support, and economic empowerment.
She emphasized the need for stricter policies and enforcement measures against traffickers and called on religious and civic leaders to join forces in protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling the structures that enable human trafficking.
Silence is Not an Option
Sister Katunge urged a compassionate response from all sectors of society, emphasizing the importance of raising our voices, advocating for vulnerable individuals, and taking concrete actions to combat human trafficking. Drawing inspiration from Saint Josephine Bakhita’s legacy, she called for solidarity in restoring hope and freedom to all who are enslaved.
Together, through joint efforts and solidarity, we can end human trafficking in Africa and honor the legacy of those who have suffered at the hands of traffickers.
