September 24, 2018
Mercy Day
Editor: Tomorrow, 30 July is both World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and International Day of Friendship
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 with the idea 'that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities'. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was instituted two years later to inspire countries to work together 'supporting and protecting victims while pursuing and prosecuting traffickers'.
The UN designates days of special observance to both promote awareness and encourage action. It is not difficult in this year's messages to see how or why both of these observances should be designated for the same date.
We are each called by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to 'act as one in the name of justice and dignity for all' (WDTIP) and to 'cultivate warm ties that strengthen our common humanity and promote the well-being of the human family' (IDF).
In this week's issue of Mercy eNews we hear from some of our Sisters and Partners-in-Mercy working with, companioning, educating and advocating on behalf of victims of human trafficking; inspired by Catherine, grounded in the Christian tradition, affirming the UN vision of a life of dignity for all.
Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - Executive Director MIA
Sisters of Mercy and our Partners-in-Mercy are actively involved in a number of organisations opposing trafficking in persons. Mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons by visiting one of these sites to learn more about how Mercies are collaborating with others to oppose human trafficking.
Image: iStock. 65437653. Used under licence