Faith Resources

January 11: National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 raises awareness of the persistent issue of human trafficking. This day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention of the illegal practice. Since the Senate established this day of observance in 2007, it has drawn massive public support from individual donations to government-organized events. The horrific injustice of human trafficking can affect people of any race and background, and on this day we are all called to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Learn more HERE.

July 30th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Prayer Service

Prayer Resources

We draw on the resources of our faith to pray for an end to human trafficking, healing for all those impacted, and a conversion of hearts for all those responsible.

Prayer services and resources for individuals and communities.

Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking

In January 2015, Pope Francis dedicated his Message for the World Day of Peace to Human Trafficking. “We are facing a global phenomenon that exceeds the competence of any one community or country,” and therefore, “we need a mobilization comparable in size to that of the phenomenon itself.”

In September 2015, the Holy Father told the United Nations that evils like “human trafficking, the marketing of human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, slave labour, including prostitution” cannot be met by “solemn commitments” alone. “We need to ensure that our institutions” – and our efforts – “are truly effective in the struggle against all these scourges.”

The Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking provide an understanding of human trafficking that will motivate and sustain us over our long-term struggle against this crime.

Click here to download the full pdf of the Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with that dignity. Human dignity comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment.

Catholic Social Teaching connects directly to our work to end human trafficking and support survivors.

Click here for a list of statements by Catholic Church leaders related to human trafficking.