Talitha Kum (or the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking in Persons) is an organization of Catholic nuns established by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in 2009.[1] The group works to end human-trafficking and is based in Rome.[2] The name comes from the expression found in the Gospel of Mark and is Aramaic, meaning, "Maiden, I say to you, arise."[3] The organization is considered a Catholic charity,[4] and operates as a network with many different groups.[5][6] The former coordinator of Talitha Kum is Sister Estrella Castalone,[7][8] and Sister Gabriella Bottani is the current head of the organization.[9][8] John Studzinski chairs the group.[10]
History edit
The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) started developing a program between 2004 and 2008, which created regional networks against trafficking in nine countries around the world.[8] The idea to create a group which became Talitha Kum started in 2007 when Catholic women leaders discovered that rates of human trafficking were increasing.[11] Talitha Kum was formally created in 2009 and brought the network of individual groups together.[2] In 2013, Talitha Kum had counter-trafficking missions in 75 countries and involved over 600 nuns.[1] By 2015, there were about 1,100 women working in 80 countries.[12]
Sister Gabriella Bottani became the new coordinator of Talitha Kum in January 2015.[2]
Activity edit
Talitha Kum uses the Palermo Protocol of 2000 "for the protection, prevention and prosecution" of people being trafficked.[1] Shelters, safe houses, counseling and legal assistance are available to victims through Talitha Kum.[1] Members of Talitha Kum train local people to be aware of signs of human trafficking.[13]
The sisters involved in Talitha Kum have been reported to disguise themselves as prostitutes in order to infiltrate brothels and rescue women.[12] During the Brazilian World Cup in 2014, the group organized a campaign called "Play for Life, Report Trafficking," which was meant to raise awareness of human trafficking and how to report possible incidents.[14]
Other services include training women in vocational skills and providing "assistance for micro-industries."[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Viehland, N.J. (12 December 2013). "Religious Women Link Up to Fight Human Trafficking". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Rotondaro, Vinnie (24 March 2015). "Q & A with Sr. Gabriella Bottani". Global Sisters Report. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Talitha Kum". International Union Superiors General. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Talitha Kum: Network of Nuns Leading the Fight Against Human Trafficking". Rome Reports. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (2 May 2015). "Nuns Intercede for Victims of Sex Trafficking in Italy". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "International Affiliation". US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Talitha Kum: First Asia Policy Conference on Human Trafficking". Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ a b c "About Us". Talitha Kum. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ Mcelwee, Joshua J. (19 December 2014). "World Day of Peace Message Takes on Human Trafficking". National Catholic Reporter – via TheFreeLibrary.
- ^ Wujek, Lily (2 February 2016). "Sister to Sister: Why a Group of Nuns are Going Undercover as Sex Workers". Ms. Blog. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ Samson, Oliver (1 August 2014). "Sisters Act: How Nuns Are Fighting Human Trafficking". CBCP News. Archived from the original on June 28, 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b Wulfhorst, Ellen (18 November 2015). "Nuns Who Rescue Sex Slaves Expand Efforts to 140 Countries". Religion News Service. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Nuns Fight Trafficking in Haiyan-Hit Areas". UCAN Directory. 17 December 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ^ "Nuns to Fight Child Prostitution During World Cup". CBS News. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
External links edit
- Official site
- Talitha Kum (video)