The United Nations annually marks “the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” on July 30. This year's campaign theme "Human trafficking is Organized Crime—End the Exploitation”, focuses on the marginalized groups and victims who are often overlooked in international efforts to combat this crime.

According to the latest reports issued by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, rates of trafficking victims have declined by 11 per cent while convictions have fallen by 27 per cent, particularly in developing countries, which reflects a slowdown in the global fight against this crime. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this phenomenon, as trafficking networks have become more clandestine, while the risks inflicted on victims have increased, at a time when authorities' ability to monitor such cases has diminished.

This year's relevant focus is on three key issues, namely: The continued exploitation of victims; the absence of adequate support for survivors; and neglecting most of the vulnerable groups such as migrants, the poor, victims of discrimination, and refugee.

Consequently, the United Nations has called on the international community to enhance awareness, as well as to intensify the efforts conducted by governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to hold traffickers accountable, as well as to support victims. It also asserts that human trafficking is a flagrant violation of human rights affecting the entire world countries that serve as a source for human trafficking or as a transit point.

It is worthy to note that July 30 has  been annually assigned as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/192.

On this anniversary, it is important to shed light again on the activities of the "Springs of Hope" Initiative in Jordan--which functions under the umbrella of the global "Talitha Kum" network in Rome--that aims to combat the phenomenon of human trafficking and to disseminate the spirit of "Talitha Kum" in Catholic parishes and schools in Jordan. This initiative also aspires to promote respect for the dignity of humans--created in the image and likeness of God—and to reject this dangerous phenomenon, as well to  call for prayers pleading for enrooting love in communities around the world.

The Union of Religious Congregations in Jordan, which oversees the "Springs of Hope" Initiative, trains and provides the community with ‘ambassadors of hope” annually, following training workshops conducted by a select group of scholars and experts.