Corporate Stance

We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, and our Associates, in keeping with our position of non-violence and respecting the inherent dignity of each person, corporately stand in support of human rights by explicitly opposing the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor. (Adopted February 2008)

Trafficking of Human Beings

Human trafficking involves the movement of people through violence, deception or coercion for the purpose of forced labor, servitude and/or prostitution. Approximately 2.5 million persons are victims of trafficking, at least one third of whom are trafficked for economic purposes other then sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is a global phenomenon and the fastest growing means by which people are forced into slavery, generating an estimated profit of $32 billion per year. Human trafficking is also a local, though well-hidden, problem in many cities.

In November 2005, the United States ratified the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Its implementation, however, is urgent in order to realize the rights and guarantees they contain. In particular, victims of trafficking are not adequately protected in the US. Neither the federal government nor state authorities are diligent in ensuring physical and psychological rehabilitation services, shelters, legal assistance and other measures necessary to help victims recover and be reintegrated into society. The number of effectively prosecuted traffickers is also minimal compared to the scale of the phenomenon and the means available to conduct investigations in this country.

As Franciscans, we are called to:

• Pray for victims of human trafficking worldwide (A prayer to end human trafficking can be found at the Franciscans International website, www.franciscansinternational.org, under the resources heading.)
• Observe the April 22 nd Annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day by a prayer service or some outward action.