Human Trafficking

From left to right: Sr. Margaret Hastings, Sr. Katie Quinn, Sr. Patricia Dunne, Sr. Marian Hamwey, Sr. Breege Keenan, Sr. Ann Laidlaw and Sr. Germaine Price.

EMMITSBURG, MD ~ April 2, 2007
Nine Daughters of Charity met at All Hallows College in Dublin, Ireland to pray, reflect, research and discuss the growing worldwide scandal of human trafficking. Sister Margaret Barrett convoked the group, which included Sr. Catherine Prendergast, Visitatrix of Ireland, Sister Margaret Hastings from the English Province, Sister Ann Laidlaw from the Australian Province, Sister Breege Keenan from the Irish Province, and Sister Germaine Price, Sister Katie Quinn, Sister Patricia Dunne and Sister Marian Hamwey from the United States.

Experts in law, direct service to trafficked persons and immigration, shared valuable information and clarification for us to formulate some areas in which the Daughters of Charity can join in the fight against human trafficking. We will need to become more aware of the problem, even in our own midst; our provincial, worldwide and Vincentian family websites will give us access to thousands for information and invitation to advocacy.

We need to network with those already involved in the fight, particularly religious communities around the world, and we want to invite the entire Vincentian Family to join with us. Finally, using our presence at the United Nations will allow us to have input into the discussions concerning women and children’s rights. There is much that is available for reading, workshops and action.