The United Nations Refugee Agency celebrates World Refugee Day on June 20^th of every year as an international day to honor people who have been forcibly displaced and seek refuge in another country. It is an opportunity to advocate, educate, and support people forced to flee their homes and settle in unfamiliar land due to persecution, violence, and conflict. Their displaced and vulnerable status risks putting these populations at a higher risk of human trafficking situations.

Human trafficking consists in the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons utilizing threats, use of force or other forms of coercion for exploitation. It is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. Many victims of human trafficking are forced into forced labor or sexual exploitation.

As we prepare for World Refugee Day next month, it is vital to highlight the resilience and strength of displaced individuals around the globe, all the while recognizing the vulnerabilities they face. Taking the necessary steps to protect them from the crime of human trafficking is an important measure that we can all recognize. As a universal Church in every country worldwide, Catholics can play a vital role in protecting these vulnerable populations from the evil of human trafficking and establishing initiatives aimed at prevention, detection, and support.

War and Conflict are drivers for individuals fleeing their country or displaced persons. The war in Ukraine has shown the effects of individuals fleeing for shelter, safety, and protection. The speed and scale of the invasion of Russia have demonstrated how acts of war and violence increase the threat of human trafficking. Individuals forced to flee their environments often leave their jobs, homes, families, and support networks, making them susceptible to victimization. Specifically, those traveling to refugee camps, where the journey can be dangerous, and people may find themselves lacking basic resources and needs. Moreover, being isolated, discriminated against, or lack of legal status or protections affects their means of making an income. Perpetrators often recruit individuals faced with political, economic, or social instabilities, luring them in through promises of security, safety, and financial security. It is vital to note that many refugees fleeing their homes look towards smugglers or other services to cross to a new country and often find themselves in situations with high exposure to victimization.

The circumstances surrounding forced displacement, including armed conflict, political instability, and economic hardship, create a breeding ground for human trafficking. Exploring this intersection helps us understand the increased vulnerability of refugees, migrants, and asylees to exploitation. Frequently, trafficking and smuggling occur on the same routes of travel, use similar transportation methods, and can be carried out by the same perpetrators. Smuggled individuals can be victimized before, during, or after their journey. Both smugglers and traffickers have a significant advantage over their victims, where there is an inherent disparity in power between the smuggler/trafficker and the migrant. One should not presume that simply because a migrant might consent to a smuggling situation, that there are no serious risks being undertaken by the migrant. It is not unusual for a smuggling situation to morph into a trafficking situation. Those who promise help are, at times, planning harm.

Unaccompanied Children are individuals under 18 who have arrived at the United States or the border without a parent or legal guardian and do not have legal status. Children can also be designated to UC if there is governmental prosecution for charges against their parent or legal guardian. Studies show that as many as 80% of children arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border via some smuggling operation. This is problematic given the ease with which smuggling situations can morph into trafficking situations, particularly given the significant disparity in power between the potential trafficker and the at-risk child.

Another study was conducted with 142 migrant children between the ages of 2 and 17 when they were trafficked to identify whether migrant children, both accompanied and unaccompanied minors, were recruited at high rates of both sexual, and labor trafficking. Study findings determined that in unaccompanied minors, over 70% were trafficked for sexual exploitative purposes. Moreover, the report showed that 24% of unaccompanied children were trafficked only for labor trafficking, including domestic servitude.

Whether targeting accompanied or unaccompanied migrant children, perpetrators of trafficking constantly take advantage of the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities and target members that are most at risk, such as children, and promise a life without poverty, violence, or struggle. Exacerbating the problem of child trafficking is that they are least likely to report the crime, seek help and get assistance from law enforcement. Traffickers exploit children because of risk factors like mental health issues, distrust in law enforcement, language barriers, literacy skills, lack of familial support, violence or abuse, and fear of deportation. Other legal barriers can complicate the situation facing unaccompanied children and leave them as an at-risk population.

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Travelers

The Holy Family once fell victim to forced displacement as they fled the threat of persecution and possible death from Herod. They, too, experienced the risks that come with forced migration situations. As we celebrate the month of Mary and reflect on her example of compassion and caring for others, it is important also to consider ways in which we can support and protect refugees and victims of human trafficking. This may include educating ourselves about the issues, volunteering our time and resources to organizations that support these causes, advocating for policies that promote human rights and social justice, and showing compassion and empathy towards those who may be vulnerable or marginalized in our communities.

The month of May, also known as the Month of Mary, presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, solidarity, and hope and how we can explore the connections between these significant observances, emphasizing the role of Mary as a symbol of comfort and protection while highlighting the plight of refugees and the collective responsibility to support and advocate for their rights.

As the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima was celebrated on May 13th, we look to Our Lady of Fatima as a beacon of compassion and hope. Our Lady is known for her message of compassion and peace. We delve into the story of Fatima and the lessons we can draw from her example, emphasizing the importance of extending empathy and understanding to those experiencing displacement and seeking refuge.

Honoring Mary this month, let us seek refuge and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. How Mary's virtues of love, mercy, and maternal care align with the spirit of World Refugee Day, inspiring us to extend our support and advocacy for the rights of refugees and migrants. Through raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees worldwide. We shed light on the experiences of displaced individuals, their resilience, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect their rights and promote their well-being.

Mary as a Symbol of Hope and Protection

Mary holds a special place in the hearts of many as a symbol of hope and protection. We explore how her intercession and maternal care can inspire us to offer solace and assistance to refugees, migrants, and asylees, acknowledging their inherent dignity and the need for their voices to be heard. Below is a rosary for vulnerable migrant populations.

Rosary for Migrants (English)

Rosario Para Migrantes (Español)

If you see something or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, reach out to the



National Human Trafficking Hotline

Phone: 1 (888) 373-7888

SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")

If you want to learn more about the USCCB/MRS

Anti-Trafficking Program, reach out to:

Felicitas Brugo Onetti

Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (202) 541-3064