About the project

U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (NAC), faith-based networks that work to end human trafficking, deplore the increase in human trafficking in the United States and around the world, some of which results from unprecedented forced migration.   The U.S. Department of State estimates that over 70% of persons trafficked in the United States each year are immigrants.” (Human Trafficking Institute) People on the move or recently arrived are at particular risk of exploitation by human traffickers.

On June 14 at 2:00 EDT, USCSAHT and NAC will offer a 60-minute virtual briefing that will explore the dangerous link between forced migration and human trafficking. Participants will hear first-hand accounts from a migrant survivor of human trafficking and women religious who accompany migrants facing dangers posed by human traffickers. They will share their experiences and use their expertise to illustrate the dangerous connection between forced migration and human trafficking.

The U.S. State Department estimates that over 70 percent of the persons trafficked in the United States each year are immigrants. It makes sense that people on the move or recently arrived are at particular risk of exploitation by human traffickers.

This briefing is the launch of an 18-month journey for the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd where we will listen to those on the ground and those impacted by this nexus of evil, and then work with Members of Congress and the administration to identify opportunities for meaningful change.

Women Religious have a long history of accompanying migrants and those who have been victimized by human traffickers. They know migrants’ strength and their vulnerability. They are prepared to address the threat human traffickers pose to those forced to flee their homes, and they are committed to finding practical solutions. In bringing together these women working on the ground, human trafficking migrant survivors, and policy makers from both sides of the aisle, we will be strongly positioned to pursue long-term, systemic solutions.

We hope you will join us on this journey to address the rise in human trafficking and forced migration. Collaboration among branches of government, non-governmental organizations, and communities is essential for comprehensive solutions that protect victims, prosecute perpetrators, and prevent future instances of trafficking and forced migration.  Together we can create a world where exploitation is eliminated, and every person can live free with security and respect.