Faith and action in Brazil: Against human trafficking in Minas Gerais

In the VedrunAmerica Province, many seeds have been sown to combat the sore of humanity that is human trafficking and the sale of organs. These actions are carried out in various countries where the Congregation is present, with the participation of sisters and committed lay men and women, often in collaboration with the Conferences of Men and Women Religious who support this work. On World Anti-Trafficking Day, we would like to share how this mission is lived in Brazil.

A network of struggle from the Consecrated Religious Life

The Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB), being a large country, organizes the Consecrated Religious Life (CRL) by regions. My experience takes place in the city of Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais.

The “Um Grito Pela Vida” Network began its mission in 2007. Since then, it has been linked to other networks in Latin America and internationally, such as the National Network “Um Grito Pela Vida” (CRB Nacional), the CLAMOR Network of CLAR and the “Talita Kum” Network of the UISG in Rome.

Our journey has been a process of profound growth and enrichment, with the participation of numerous congregations (women’s and men’s), as well as many lay men and women linked to the CRB through the congregations and various pastoral organizations.

A project inspired by the Gospel

The network works through projects, each guided by a specific biblical text. The one we are currently working with is Luke 24:13-35, which narrates the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We feel reflected in this shared journey, in the desire to understand reality, to welcome it and, from there, to act with hope.

Consecrated religious life cannot remain indifferent to this context. We share, also among ourselves, the anguish of not always knowing how to “open the eyes” of those who are at risk. We feel the desire to act with simplicity, but with wisdom, to prevent and guide.

We meet frequently, even virtually in difficult times, to discuss, train and connect with other organizations fighting for the same cause. Although it sometimes seems difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we remain hopeful of finding ways forward.

Jesus approaches and enlightens us: our objectives

Overall objective

• What to do: Develop actions that promote collective awareness, overcome fear and restore hope. Sensitize society, prevent, make visible and defend life in all its forms, especially in the face of abuses caused by human trafficking, sexual exploitation, organ trafficking, child labor, labor slavery and other forms of violence and oppression.
• Through: Reading, study and joint reflection with related groups, such as the National and International Network “Um Grito Pela Vida”, Talita Kum and interregional groups; in addition to specific actions in places such as “occupations”, parishes, schools and centers where Consecrated Religious Life is present throughout the state.
• In order to: To collaborate in the eradication of this grave reality and to build, little by little, a new world.

Specific objectives

• Promote constant training to help us act realistically and effectively, sharing lessons learned to overcome fear and sustain hope.
• Open spaces for prevention and help those at risk to get out of danger.
• Be present where life cries out, disseminating information about dangers and resources. Teaching how to report and where to ask for help.
• Create and distribute informational materials that help others get involved.
• Establish alliances with groups and institutions that promote human dignity and fight for the prevention of trafficking.

We shared the table, agreed on goals and were blessed.

Arriving home, Jesus pretended to go on his way. But in the evening, we invited him to stay. The roads were dangerous and the stranger accepted. Over dinner-simple but hearty-we shared our goals and, as we invited him to say grace, we understood who he was. It was Jesus. We recognized him in the gesture, in the word, in the ardor of the heart. And although he disappeared from our sight, we understood that we could go on, even in the night.

Shared and consensual goals

• Coordinate efforts, network and collaborate with civil society and authorities, especially the Guardianship Council.
• Strengthen communication and training.
• Raise awareness and inform society about human trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Carry out concrete actions for prevention, care and promotion for victims.
• Place this problem on the public agenda, especially in schools, hospitals, communities and social groups.

Back to Jerusalem

Although it was late, we got up and rushed to Jerusalem to tell what we had experienced and to share the mission. After that meeting, in which Jesus once again made himself present, we prepared our program of action. We know that we are not alone: we are a missionary group among many others that work from the CRB of Minas Gerais.

The program includes key dates for the fight against trafficking:

• January 28: National Day for Combating Human Trafficking.
• May 18: National Day against Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.
• July 30: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
• September 23: International Day against Sexual Exploitation of Women.

It also includes our regular meetings (the last Tuesday of each month) and special events, such as the celebration of the Network’s 15 years in Brazil, as well as other significant dates such as the days of indigenous peoples and the black population.

Aware of the hardness of the task, we are not discouraged. We continue in the struggle, and every small achievement is a source of great joy.

Sr. Virma Barion, ccv