Talitha Kum Saves Nearly a Quarter Million Asians from Trafficking in One Year

In 2024, as many as 236,860 people in Asia were prevented from falling victim to human trafficking, according to Talitha Kum, a network established in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).

According to its latest Annual Report 2024, released on July 29, Talitha Kum Asia reached 284,429 people, including 93,939 children under 18 and 93,939 women and girls.

In the same period, 37,098 survivors received protection and support, while 2,113 cases accessed legal avenues for prosecution and justice.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on July 30, aims to raise awareness about the situation of victims of human trafficking and to promote and protect their rights.

Talitha Kum is an international network of Catholic nuns working to end human trafficking. Its core objectives include prevention, protection, assistance, awareness-raising, and denunciation of trafficking-related crimes. The name is drawn from the words of Jesus in Mark 5:41: “Talitha cum”, “Little girl, get up!”

“Talitha Kum Asia advanced its mission through prevention, care for victims and survivors, access to justice, networking, and advocacy,” said Sister Paula Kwandao Phonprasertruksa, Regional Representative for Asia and a member of the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres, based in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Awareness campaigns in Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan engaged youth, schools, businesses, and the public to prevent labor exploitation and support migrant workers,” she added.

Survivors received care in India and Japan through safe spaces, counseling, and hotlines. In South Korea, legal action led to compensation in a rare trafficking case. Collaboration with civic and Church institutions in Thailand and Korea helped expand the network's reach.

“Advocacy efforts challenged systemic abuse, promoted survivor voices, and worked to instill truth and justice across the region,” said Sister Paula.

In 2024, Talitha Kum Asia made significant strides in strengthening collaboration, both within and beyond its regional network. A new hub coordination framework, likened to a spider web, was established to ensure the mission reaches all corners of the continent.

Over the past year, Talitha Kum Asia expanded its partnerships to include 58 Catholic organizations, 36 governmental and intergovernmental agencies, and 48 NGOs.

Today, it counts 2,016 active members and collaborators, involving 210 religious congregations across 16 countries in Asia, supported by 14 national networks and 66 local subdivisions.