Date of Meeting: 18 March 2021

Meeting Organizer: Anglican Communion’s Office at the United Nations

ISJC Staff Present: Ursula van Nieuwenhuijzen-Maris

Reporter: Ursula van Nieuwenhuijzen-Maris

Which SDG does this topic cover? 5 Gender Equality, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Type of meeting: Commission on the Status of Women Side Event

Brief summary of presentation of information made

Various women in faith communities shared about the work they do in the prevention of human trafficking. For example, Uganda with a mothers union: a group of mothers who gives psychosocial help to survivors of human trafficking. Fighting human trafficking is a collective responsibility: it requires everyone to come on board. It involves training church leaders, local leaders and activity leaders.

Another example is given by Robyn Andreo-Boosey; She is committed to fighting violence against women in Australia and trains theology students and church leaders to respond to human trafficking. When church leaders are trained well on this topic, they can contribute through listening, referring, helping in building social networks and giving practical help. Church leaders have more influence than they think, because together with others, they can help in shifting cultures.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

The Salvation Army has an important part to play in fighting human trafficking, through listening, referring to other organisations, helping people to build positive networks and influencing the local culture.

Tags: SDG5: Gender Equality, SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production