Janina Gomes

World Day Against Trafficking of Human Persons was established by the United Nations General Assembly to remember victims of human trafficking and the compelling need to protect their rights. On this day, govts, NGOs and individuals participate in awareness campaigns to highlight the problem. Their primary symbol is the Blue Heart, which represents sadness of victims and cold-heartedness of those who profit from it.

World religions universally consider human trafficking and modern slavery as a grave and moral threat to humanity because of its violation of human dignity. Faith groups all over the world work for stricter rules, better-tailored policies and try to use moral authority and community networks to combat the problem.

Christians believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that we must liberate human beings from slave-like conditions by rescuing victims, providing safe houses and condemning exploitative industries. There is a network of NGOs and organisations that collaborate in this endeavour.

Hinduism has a long tradition of ahimsa and karm. Human trafficking is viewed as a violation of human dignity and dharm, cosmic duty. Hindu organisations in India run shelters, and educational programmes to prevent the vulnerable from falling prey to traffickers.

Sharia and the Quran strictly forbid forced labour, the ownership of human beings and sexual exploitation. They emphasise the need to protect vulnerable groups especially women and children. Buddhism emphasises karuna, compassion; Buddhists view human trafficking as violating the principle of not harming others and the precept of not taking what is not given.

Jainism practices compassion for all living beings rooted in ahimsa, non-violence and active protection and respect for all forms of life extending even to the smallest of insects. Sikhism views trafficking in humans as a severe violation of human rights and a sin against equality of human beings. Human beings’ exploitation is contrary to their spiritual foundations.

Parsis view human trafficking as an abhorrent violation of their core ethical teachings and framework. Their teachings are expressed in three maxims: good thoughts, good words and good deeds. These are the major religions in India.

In African traditional religions, community and religious leaders have to work actively to demystify certain myths, where traffickers exploit cultural beliefs which thrive on magic and use of charms in some regions, and mentally enslave victims forcing them into servitude through fear of spiritual retribution.

Slavery has evolved from treating people as property to hidden forms like debt bondage, forced labour, human trafficking, descent-based slavery, forced marriage and other manifestations of social evil. The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking was born of a renewed commitment by world leaders to end this crime. Spiritually, it is an evil that all ethical societies find unacceptable, yet it flourishes because of poverty and ignorance of its victims. The battle to eradicate slavery in whatever form it exists needs joint efforts of all nations and peoples.

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