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February 8th is St. Josephine Bakhita Day

  • Writer: Jaime Gutierrez
    Jaime Gutierrez
  • 7 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Human trafficking is a crime against human dignity and human rights. It is present worldwide, though diverse criminal forms: trafficking and sexual exploitation, trafficking and labour exploitation, child trafficking, illegal extraction and sale of human organs, forced begging, servile marriage, and forcing people to commit criminal acts.


Sexual exploitation is an extended form of human trafficking. Victims are forced to perform sexual activities while working in massage parlours, escort agencies, or the adult entertainment industry. 


79% of the cases of human trafficking worldwide are for sexual exploitation; women and girls make up the vast majority of the victim population.


In Canada, 5,070 cases of human trafficking were reported g from 2014 to 2024. Only 1 in every 4 cases is reported. (Police Services Canada).


Forced labour victims are made to work under harsh conditions, such as long hours, low or no pay, or unsafe environments.


27.8 million people are victims of forced labour and exploitation. The number of victims may be higher; nevertheless, this form of human trafficking is less likely to be reported and more difficult to detect.


In Canada, migrant workers and temporary migrant workers are specifically vulnerable to being victims of labour exploitation. The Government of Canada does not show specific information about labour trafficking and exploitation.


Population at major risk of becoming victims of human trafficking:

  • Women and girls

  • Migrant workers

  • Youth

  • Indigenous individuals

  • People living in poverty

  • People with substance use disorders

  • Survivors of abuse and trauma

  • Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQI+

  • People facing cultural or societal inequities


We are vulnerable!

“Exploitation and subjugation limit freedom and turn people into objects to use and discard. And the system of trafficking profits from the injustice and wickedness that oblige millions of people to live in conditions of vulnerability.” Pope Francis


On February 8th, we honour the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, a victim and survivor of human trafficking. Being a special day to globally pray and be aware of human trafficking and how it affects millions of people worldwide.


And from the Mary Ward Centre, we are united with The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, inviting you all to be part of the Online Pilgrimage of Prayer and Awareness against human trafficking11 AM to 3 PM (CET). Which will take place across all continents and time zones. From Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America.


Live streaming in five languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian) on


English: 

Italian: 

Spanish: 

Português: 

France: 


End human trafficking, a commitment for all!




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