Fighting Child Trafficking During World Cup

Play for Life, Fight Trafficking

An international association of Catholic sisters are campaigning against human trafficking and prostitution during the World Cup in Brazil.  They are using social media, billboards and rallies in host cities to draw attention to the heightened risk of exploitation of sex workers and job-seekers in general.  The association called Talitha Kum — a Biblical phrase meaning “Little girl, get up!” — is also conducting training courses to spot signs of trafficking.  The campaign aims to inform and raise awareness among the population on possible risks and how to intervene to report possible cases.

Among past and upcoming initiatives will be ads posted on the sides of buses in Manaus, a torch-lit procession in Brasilia, talks in schools in Sao Paulo and handing out pamphlets at tourist hot-spots in beach resorts.  Sister Estrella Castalone, international co-ordinator of Talitha Kum, said that the World Cup was bringing in many workers from neighboring countries and from rural areas to work in bars or for delivery services. “People who accept job offers can be tricked and become victims of different forms of exploitation,” she said.  (Photo: Reuters)  Read more…