International Conference on Human Trafficking in Mexico
Mexico, 09 April 2013: The 5th Conference of the World Union of Catholic
Women's Organizations (WUCWO) in Latin America and the Caribbean opened in Mexico
City on Monday. The week-long conference, from April 8 to 12 will examine the issue
of human trafficking.
Maria Giovanna Ruggieri, Wucwo President-General said,
“The objective of the regional conference with the participation of delegations of
various Wucwo member organizations and other guests consists in making us aware
of the work done by the ecclesial communities as well as the various organisations,
in which women are included, on this terrible scourge of our time. The civic consciousness,
beyond the Christian vision of the person, should lead to a struggle to eradicate
this terrible practice by any means." She also said, “In accordance with the Social
Doctrine of the Church, Wucwo wants to contribute to the prevention of the problem
and to educate concerning the dignity of each person. There is great encouragement
for this work in the importance that Pope Francis has given to it since the early
talks of his pontificate,’ she added.
The different sessions provided during
the conference will tackle the subject from various angles: from a general definition
of the "trafficking" phenomenon with the identification of social and cultural roots
that contribute to its existence, the analysis of those who are involved and the way
the networks of traffickers work, to the responsibilities of governments in containing
it. The meeting will also address the relationship between trafficking and migration
and the different forms of exploitation for sexual, commercial business and labour
reasons.
The conference will then consider the responses developed by ecclesial
communities or religious organizations to face the phenomenon of trafficking and to
help victims, pointing out the necessity of networking at various levels, including
inter-faith cooperation. There will also be an emphasis on the role of the media and
social networks in raising public awareness.
The Conference will conclude on
Friday, April 12th with a closing Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in
Mexico presided by the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr. Christophe Pierre.