Columban Lay Missionary Sainiana Tamatawale worked on the Mexican/American border for ten years and accompanied migrants and victims of human trafficking. Photo: St Columbans Mission Society
The late Pope Francis described human trafficking as a “modern-day scourge, which continues to cause untold human suffering.” His words remind us that this day is not only a moment of remembrance, but a call to action. It urges us to confront the silent suffering of countless people who are trafficked in various forms: forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage, child trafficking, and organ trafficking, to name only a few. Today, victims can be anyone — adults, children, women, and men — although traffickers often target those facing poverty or instability.
I have journeyed with people from different walks of life who were victims of human trafficking. Their stories are heartbreaking and painful. One survivor described traffickers as “monsters,” a reflection of the cruelty and fear they suffered.
Many migrants from Central America and Mexico, fleeing violence or poverty, are intercepted by traffickers before they reach the United States. In places like Juarez, women and children arriving from Central America are particularly vulnerable. We often heard that coyotes — smugglers — may collaborate with trafficking networks. As missionaries, one of our priorities was to rescue and protect these women and children, ensuring they were not taken or exploited. Our mission was rooted in compassion, justice, and the belief that every person deserves safety and dignity.
Missionaries, organisations, professionals, governments, and communities all have a role to play in ending human trafficking. Together, we advocate for stronger protections and policies, learn the signs of trafficking, promote safe migration pathways, and support survivor‑led organisations. Ending trafficking requires collective commitment — because no single group can address it alone.
In the Region of Oceania, I have learned that human trafficking is also becoming a crisis, particularly in the islands. Many people are unaware of its presence or unsure how to help victims. Some Columbans and co-workers are now involved with ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans), an organisation dedicated to advocating for and with survivors of human trafficking, raising awareness, addressing and preventing human trafficking and forced marriage.
Today, we work together to raise awareness and educate communities across the Pacific. I saw a powerful message on the ACRATH logo and it says “People are NOT for sale.” This captures the heart of our shared mission. Through collaboration, we challenge the social and economic inequalities that make people vulnerable to trafficking.
I quote from St Mother Theresa of Calcutta, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
Every person can contribute to building a safer and more informed community. Even small actions matter like sharing information, attending awareness events, supporting local initiatives and in advocating for fair and safe migration pathways.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons reminds us the value of a human life and it calls us to stand with survivors, challenge systems of exploitation, and work together for justice. By raising awareness, educating others, and supporting organisations dedicated to ending trafficking, we help build a world where every person is protected and free.
Sainiana Tamatawale is a Columban lay missionary.
