Vatican hosts youth symposium against human trafficking

(Vatican Radio) Young men and women involved in the fight against human trafficking will be making their voices heard in the Vatican this weekend at a youth symposium on the best ways of preventing and supporting victims of this widespread phenomenon. The two day meeting has been jointly organised by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the interfaith Global Freedom Network and the Argentinian anti-trafficking association ‘Vinculos En Red’. Speakers, including young survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation will be sharing experiences and hoping to draw up some practical ideas for combatting this global trade that affects around 21 million men, women and children in all corners of the globe.

To find out more about the meeting, Philippa Hitchen talked to the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Freedom Network, Antonia Stampalija…..

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The main goal is to hear the voices of young people who’ve been affected in some way by trafficking and sexual exploitation and to find out from them what they believe are ways in which other young people can be prevented from this happening to them…..

It’s a collaboration of these three organisations – together we have used our capabilities, experience and networks to identify young people from throughout the world to come and join us here in the Vatican……we believe that with their input and knowledge we’ll be able to share their stories with the anti-slavery movement to develop broader and far-reaching strategies that will have an impact on the eradication of modern slavery and  human trafficking…

We see ourselves as one of many anti-slavery organisations in the world but the unique difference about us is that we come from a faith leadership perspective. The Global Freedom Network invites all faiths from around the world to unite on this cause and together with faiths speaking to their own communities and reaching far beyond what we could achieve in our own right….we will be able to effect the change we’re seeking…..

It’s not just a symposium but it’s about setting up a long term relationship with these young people, almost like ambassadors or advisers who’ll become like a reference group….prevention is our key and when we can continually consult with this group, then we believe we’ll be better informed to work with others to eradicate slavery and trafficking….