A recent press release (http://bit.ly/bjj8PN) from the US bishops is a reminder that chattle slavery has not been wiped off the face of the earth yet, but it does have a new name: human trafficking. Ten years ago, President Clinton signed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to fight human trafficking operations and to rescue and assist victims of human trafficking in the United States
Simultaneous with the press release, the Migration & Refugee Services of the US bishops released Reflections: Health and Human Service’s Service Mechanism for Foreign National Survivors, which provided a reminder that many of the victims of human trafficking are children. There are many other important findings in Reflections; interested parties can read it at http://bit.ly/9SMVAR.
Finally, the bishops point out that, like so many pieces of Federal legislation, TVPA has to be periodically re-authorized, and it is due for re-authorizing again in 2011. Please watch for opportunities to encourage the newly elected Congress and the President to pass this important piece of social justice legislation.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
