Human trafficking is not a distant statistic.
It is stolen freedom.
It is lost childhood.
It is silent pain.

Today, February 8, Caritas Moldova joins the international community in marking the World Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, a global initiative dedicated to defending the freedom, dignity, and life of every person.

This day is celebrated annually in memory of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the Sudanese nun who, as a child, was a victim of human trafficking and who became a symbol of the Catholic Church's commitment against this grave violation of human dignity. The day was established in 2015 at the initiative of Pope Francis and is promoted by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and the Union of Superiors General (USG), with the coordination of the international network Talitha Kum.

In his message of February 8, 2015, Pope Francis emphasized:

"It is my hope that government leaders will work with determination to eliminate the causes of this shameful scourge, unworthy of a civilized society. Each of us is called to be a voice for our brothers and sisters who have been humiliated in their dignity."

Prayer that turns into action
For Caritas Moldova, this day is not only a moment of spiritual reflection, but also a reaffirmation of its concrete commitment to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection, and cross-border cooperation. In this context, World Day of Prayer and Awareness is marked within the framework of the Cross-Border Cooperation Project in Combating Human Trafficking, implemented by Caritas Moldova in partnership with Caritas Romania and Caritas Ukraine, with the financial support of Cáritas Española.

A joint call for solidarity
Today we pray for the freedom and dignity of those who go to sleep in fear, for those whose dreams and future have been stolen, but also for the courage to turn compassion into action. Caritas Moldova stands alongside international networks, its partners, and local communities to say a clear NO to exploitation and a firm YES to freedom, dignity, and hope.

#PrayAgainstTrafficking
#SolidarityHasNoBorders