SW News: Human traffickers preying on the vulnerable is rampant in third world countries. But in West Africa, the situation is worse in the midst of the pandemic-induced crisis. Catholic men and women religious are exploring new ways to boost existing networks and build new partnerships to tackle the menace.

During a recent conference, members of Talitha Kum international network of religious fighting trafficking revealed that the pandemic has not affected the work of those engaged in human trafficking in West Africa and more young people are being forced into prostitution, erotic entertainment and forced labor.

Stressing on the Church’s teaching on human dignity, the members of Talitha Kum charted a seven-point action plan during their meeting in the first week of June to improve communications. They expressed a desire to connect with conferences of major superiors in their respective nations and to regularly convene online prayer services to end trafficking.

Sister Monica Onwunali of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles in Nigeria said traffickers are continuing to harm vulnerable people despite the pandemic. In a bid to escape poverty, most people are unaware that they are being trafficked, she added. According to Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul member and coordinator of the Committee for the Support of the Dignity of Women in Nigeria Sister Philomena Okwu, efforts to bolster networking among various religious congregations can have long-lasting professional relationships that strengthen efforts to disrupt trafficking networks.