Pope calls for more action against human trafficking

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for more action to be taken against human traffickers on the United Nations World Day against trafficking of people.

Speaking to crowds gathered under the papal apartment window he reminded them of the need to give more help to the thousands of men, women and children who are exploited every year, before praying for the victims and the traffickers.

Pope Francis said he would like to draw on everyone’s commitment to make sure this abhorrent plague, a form of modern slavery, is adequately countered.

“Today is the World Day against trafficking in persons promoted by the United Nations. Every year thousands of men, women, and children are innocent victims of both labour and sexual exploitation and organ trafficking. It seems to me that we are so accustomed to this that we consider it a normal occurrence,” he added.

The Vatican has hosted a series of conferences bringing together international police organisations, legislators and religious groups to find ways to work together to fight human trafficking and modern slavery.

Human rights groups estimate that millions of people around the world are victims of forms of modern slavery such as forced prostitution or unpaid manual labour.