🌍 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

🗓️ 30 July 2026

Every year, millions of people around the globe become victims of human trafficking. It is one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. This World Day is observed to raise awareness, encourage action, and promote the protection of victims.

Did you see about the Tongan women in China on our news?

Pope Leo in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas 175 has put it clearly that ”Human trafficking must be recognized as a contemporary form of slavery and a grave violation of human dignity. Failing to respond firmly, or tolerating these practices in any way, is in some way to become complicit in today’s sins which are akin to those of the past when slavery was being concealed and justified” and in 177 he says “it falls to us today to denounce, clearly and firmly, trafficking in its many forms and together with those committed to this cause, to support concrete efforts of prevention, protection, liberation and rehabilitation.”

What can we do?

Pray and become more aware of the issue

Join Talitha Kum at 7pm for a prayer Vigil on zoom, email below to receive link

Support the Bill going through Parliament

For more information, contact the Talitha Kum group: talithakumdunedin@gmail.com

We pray that those working in our government may listen to the voices in Aotearoa NZ that are concerned at the rising of forced labour in our industries and sexual exploitation of women and young girls in our own country. May we help to create awareness of the need for a Government Act against modern slavery.

For a number of years now many community groups and volunteers have been working alongside Araiteuru Marae in Dunedin, to invite all people, but particularly those new to Dunedin, including former refugees and migrants, to participate in a uniquely New Zealand pōwhiri welcome.

Each pōwhiri is an opportunity to share conversation, food and cultural activities together- celebrating our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. It’s about building our sense of belonging and community.

Kotahitanga, Mohiotanga me te Rangimarie mō ngā iwi katoa puta noa I te ao

Unity, Understanding and Peace for all the people of the world

If you would like to find out about becoming a volunteer or if you would like to know when the next Manaakitanga Community Engagement Pōwhiri will be held, please email lynne.toomey@gmail.com