The Catholic re ligious community in Goa has renewed its focus on combating human traffick ing, with Fr Franky Fer nandes OFM Cap calling for collective action to protect vulnerable people at a re gional meeting of Amrat Ta litha Kum India’s Goa unit held at Pilar recently. Held on the theme ‘Social Evils in Goa: A Special Focus on Human Trafficking’, the meeting brought religious together to discuss vulner abilities contributing to trafficking and other forms of exploitation in Goa.
Sr Jerysa Pereira SFN was elected coordinator, Sr Myra D’Costa HC secretary and Sr Shirley Fernandes SRA treasurer. Addressing the gather ing, Fr Franky called for co ordinated efforts to prevent trafficking and protect the dignity of vulnerable peo ple. He highlighted risks faced by young people, particularly those spend ing prolonged periods in prison without adequate family support or livelihood opportunities, and said mi gration could also expose people to greater risks. Describing human traf ficking as a “crime against humanity”, Fr Franky said effective intervention re quired collaboration among individuals, organisations and institutions.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
He urged Amrat members to strengthen networks with other stakeholders, with prevention, protection and rehabilitation forming key components of the response. He also stressed the role of religious in accompanying people affected by poverty, exploitation and other suf fering, while remaining root ed in prayer and translating spiritual commitment into concrete action.
Sr Philomena Manimala AASC, coordinator of Amrat Talitha Kum India in Karwar Diocese, spoke about the or ganisation’s work, while Sr Dhanam Athisayam and Sr Crina Cardozo SFN shared their experiences. Sr Laurenca Konganvar FC welcomed the partici pants, Sr Crina Cardozo SFN anchored the programme and Sr Myra D’Costa HC pro posed the vote of thanks.
