Members of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) from across the country gathered recently in Baulkham Hills, NSW, for a two-day meeting marking 20 years of advocacy and looking ahead to future efforts to combat human trafficking. The Gathering brought together more than 40 members, staff and committee representatives for discussion, collaboration, prayer and reflection, keeping the voices of victim/survivors at the centre. Among those present was Stancea Vichie MSS, a long-time ACRATH member, reflecting the Missionary Sisters of Service’s ongoing commitment to this vital work.
A highlight was the keynote from Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, who affirmed the impact of ACRATH’s advocacy and encouraged continued engagement in Canberra. A video message from co-founder Louise Cleary also highlighted the power of collective action:
“I am convinced that a group of like-minded people coming together can do something… We can make significant changes in the world when we join in collective efforts. Keep working at it.”
Re-energised by the Gathering, members left with a renewed commitment to work together to eliminate human trafficking and its harms.
Read more, here.
Photo: Chris Evans, centre, with ACRATH members, staff and national committee members. Photo source: ACRATH
(Stancea Vichie MSS is in the back row, fifth from the left).