The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) invites you to the conference, “The role of Churches and faith-based organisations in fighting trafficking in Human Beings: Catholic initiatives”, to be held at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00-12:00 (CET).
This event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, as well as discover the invaluable insights and experiences of Catholic actors in combating this heinous crime both in Europe and around the globe.
The conference is co-organised by COMECE and the Santa Marta Group, an anti-trafficking charity launched in 2014 to act as a catalyst for law enforcement, civil society and the Church to work together to combat this global crime. The Group is supported by Pope Francis, who described human trafficking as “an open wound on the body of contemporary society; a crime against humanity.”
The conference is hosted by Spanish MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez. COMECE is engaged in advocating with the institutions of the European Union for policies that address the phenomenon of human trafficking, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. In this context, we invite you to read our latest contribution on the topic.
Key speakers include:
- Rev. William Kenney CP, Auxiliary Bishop Em. of Birmingham, member of the International Affairs Group of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, and member of the Santa Marta Group;
- H.E. Mgr. Noël Treanor, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union;
- Kevin Hyland, Strategic Director of the Santa Marta Group;
- Ivonne van de Kar, Co-President of RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation);
- Fr. Patrick Gillard OP, Founder of SAWA, Belgium;
- José Luis Bazán, COMECE Adviser on Migration, Asylum and Freedom of Religion outside the European Union.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, at 10:00-12:00 (CET) in Brussels, at the European Parliament – Altiero Spinelli Building (Room: A5F385). The registration process is now closed, however, access is possible for holders of EU Parliament badges.