Vatican Anti-Trafficing Symposium
Posted on 11. Dec, 2014, in Uncategorized1 Comment
Last month, Ruth Kilkullen took part in the Youth Symposium on Human Trafficking at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in the Vatican. This was a gathering of young people from all over the world to share ideas and experiences of working to end human trafficking.
The participants represented various sectors of the anti-trafficking movement, including organisations working on prevention, awareness-raising, law enforcement and prosecution, advocacy, and care and support of victims.
Ruth presented a paper on the work of the MECPATHS campaign (Mercy Efforts to Counter Child Prostitution and Trafficking in the Hospitality Sector). Miriam Gormally met with her to find out more.
In: “Pope Francis has really taken up the issue…”
Out: “It’s really hopeful, definitely hopeful.”
Time: 9.36
As Ruth finises on a note of hope, I too feel great hope in listening to how this dreadful issue is being treated. I know that the Mercy position on it is most commendable and, to realise that it is being taken up in the Vatican, is wonderful indeed. I thank Ruth for all the work she and her whole team have been doing in this area. To hear of change in attitudes is most positive, though it still needs to come about in Ireland. What can happen in one place can spread and it hopefully will.