Peace Begins with Dignity
Claire Walford
Coordinated by Talitha Kum, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking takes place on 8th February 2026.
We asked Rev Edwina Fennemore to explain why she is passionate about getting involved with Talitha Kum's global initiative:
What it is and who organises it:
The first International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking was initiated in 2015 by Pope Francis. Talitha Kum coordinates the group of partner organisations and the strength of the Talitha Kum network lies in its grassroots engagement and in its person- and community-centred approach. It works closely with victims and survivors, and those at risk of exploitation.
For the first International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking in 2015, 2,312 lights in 154 countries were turned on against trafficking. In Rome there was a prayer vigil and a Eucharistic celebration and participation with banners in the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at which Pope Francis spoke. Since then, the event has continued annually with different themes, always with the victims of trafficking at the heart.
Themes have covered:
- Trafficking amongst migrants, refugees and displaced people.
- Children
- Women - the power of care: women, economy and human trafficking
- The international ‘together ‘approach, and ‘an Economy without human trafficking.’
In 2021, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking took further inspiration from the image by Timothy Schmalz, the sculpture of St Bakhita, “Let the Oppressed go free.”
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking continues in early February to coincide with the 8th February commemoration of St Josephine Bakhita Day - the Patron Saint of Victims of Human Trafficking. St Bakhita was a young girl from the Sudan when she was trafficked as a child, suffered physical and emotional cruelty, but she eventually found a life of freedom and Christian faith with the Canossian sisters in Italy. She was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
The hope for the week
For February 2026, Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking, seeks to draw catholic and other ecumenical groups to join in a week of prayer organised from Rome, but making connection across every continent. It continues its commitment through the Youth Ambassadors who share their initiatives, join with a Candle procession and Vigil of prayer, an in-person Youth Day, an online (relay) Pilgrimage of Prayer, with the Angelus and Eucharistic celebration on February 8th.
What people in the Clewer network can do to support it
The invitation is extended to people of faith and goodwill from around the world to join a global movement of prayer, reflection and action against the injustice of exploitation. In particular, you could:
- Hold a Vigil of Prayer- in your local church, or as part of an ecumenical service. Download the guide here
- Download the Walking in Dignity App It a great way, through walking, to raise money ( at no monetary cost to yourself) to support worldwide anti- exploitation projects and whilst doing so, access awareness education about trafficking to further your understanding.
- Learn about exploitation, and anti-slavery initiatives. Consider using some of our resources such as our new Lent course to raise awareness in your local communities
Edwina concludes: "I have been involved in this week of prayer for many years and in 2025, I had the privilege of marking it in Rome. I believe in the power of partnership and witness, in recognising how exploitation differs across the globe and the many ways we can respond at a local and global level. Organisations have distinctive and key roles to play, but collectively we can pray together as a united body. Prayer brings people together and highlights the importance of valuing all and addressing issues of inequality and vulnerability. I would encourage you to get involved if you can."
