Talitha Kum Asia Policy Conference

ACRATH Members Attend Asia Conference

ACRATH members Brianna Lee, Kathy Fagan and Noelene Simmons attended the first Talitha Kum Asia Policy Conference on Human Trafficking in Thailand 10-14th November 2013.  They found the conference to be a very enriching network experience.  Listening to the experiences of those working against human trafficking in source countries gave us a deeper insight into the plight of victims of human trafficking.

The resource speakers at the conference were Attorney Cristina Sevilla, LL.M. , the Policy Development and Training Officer/Legal Counsel of ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking) – Philippines,  Ms Jean Enriquez, Executive Director, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific and Ms Amihan Abueva, President of ECPAT Philippines and Philippines  Representative to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection on the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC).  Through presentations by the resource speakers, panel discussions and workshops participants reflected on issues such as  International Instruments and Model Laws on Anti-Trafficking in Persons, Legislative and Policy Advocacy on Anti-trafficking in Persons and Effective Approaches and Strategies in Combating Trafficking in Persons.

The policy statement formulated by the conference states, “We, Talitha Kum Southeast Asia, AMRAT and ACRATH, a network of consecrated persons against human trafficking, commit ourselves to become messengers of hope and protagonists of change, and dedicate ourselves to stop the de-humanizing slavery of our sisters, brothers and children; Inspired and encouraged by His Holiness, we continue on the path of service to the poorest and most marginalized of our brothers and sisters, in solidarity and assistance, with Christian compassion, acceptance, understanding and kindness”