Maharashtra Regional Assembly Strengthens Church Network Against Human Trafficking

Mumbai, August 5, 2026: Strengthening collaboration among Church institutions and organisations working to combat human trafficking was the focus of the Maharashtra Regional Assembly of the Amrat Talitha Kum Network India, which brought together 36 participants from across the state for two days of reflection, planning and coordination.

Held on August 1 and 2 at Atma Darshan, Gyan Ashram, Andheri East, Mumbai, the assembly was organised by St. Xavier Social Service Society.

The gathering opened with a prayer led by Sr. Grace Rodrigues FDCC, followed by a welcome address by Sr. Monica Kujur RGS. Sr. Therese Meera Mathew RGS, National President of Amrat Talitha Kum India, delivered the keynote address, identifying networking, collaboration and partnership as essential to sustaining consecrated life and advancing the Church’s mission against human trafficking.

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She called on participants to remain faithful to their original charisms and mission while renewing their commitment to protecting human dignity and responding to trafficking, which continues to affect vulnerable communities.

Representatives from different dioceses presented reports on their anti-trafficking initiatives and outreach programmes. Participants also discussed challenges related to funding and the responsible management of resources needed to sustain prevention and intervention programmes.

The assembly elected Sr. Marcelina Aguiar CCV as regional treasurer and appointed diocesan contact persons to improve coordination across the network. It also introduced the Sisters Lawyers’ Forum as a resource for strengthening legal support and advocacy.

On the second day, Fr. Stanislaus Francis Pinto SJ, Director of St. Xavier’s Social Service Society, conducted a session on effective networking and collaboration. He highlighted survivor leadership, gender equality and sustainable partnerships as important components of a comprehensive response to trafficking.

Fr. Pinto also urged participants to address the structural causes that make people vulnerable to trafficking, particularly poverty and discrimination. Drawing on the Ubuntu philosophy — “I am because we are” — he stressed collective responsibility in protecting human dignity and promoting lasting social change.

The assembly concluded with a review of diocesan action plans, written evaluations and closing prayers.

Participants renewed their commitment to working more closely with dioceses and like-minded organisations to prevent human trafficking and promote safe migration. The gathering also reaffirmed the importance of a coordinated approach encompassing prevention, protection, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The assembly concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening efforts to safeguard the dignity and rights of every person and to building more sustainable networks of solidarity for those vulnerable to trafficking.

By Catholic Connect Reporter