A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY - THE JOINT DECLARATION OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY - RESPECT
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A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
T H E J O I N T D E C L A R AT I O N
OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS
A G A I N S T M O D E R N S L AV E RY
2 DECEMBER 2014
VATICAN CITY
77 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
FRONT COVER PHOTO by Grace Forrest A victim of #ForcedChildMarriage in India bravely shares her story with Walk Free: “Please don’t photograph my face, my in laws cannot see me like this. “I am a victim of child marriage. I was 14 years old when I was married. Since I belong to a traditional family, I am not allowed to talk to any men in the community and I must wear a veil. When I came to my in- laws house, I was forced to work as their servant everyday… When I used to live at my in laws house I saw an NGO working for the children and I asked my Father In Law if I could meet with them, and he said ‘women cannot come outside of the house, and how dare you ask me about this’. “I faced many hurdles at my in-laws house. I told my Father In Law that I wanted to teach the children who are very poor and vulnerable, that I would still do my work but I wanted also to do this. Finally he allowed me to leave for one hour at a time. I started to work in the community, especially with the very traditional families with some of the most vulnerable girls. I told them ‘if you are not ready to send your girls outside the home, its fine, we’ll come and we’ll teach your daughter.’ That way each and every daughter can live their life by their own wishes. Now I have built up trust with all families, if I recommend them something, they listen.”
A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
T H E J O I N T D E C L A R AT I O N
OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS
A G A I N S T M O D E R N S L AV E RY
2 DECEMBER 2014
VATICAN CITY
1 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
2 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
CONTENTS
Preface Page 4
The Dream Page 6
Turning the Dream into Reality: A Journey of Global Significance Page 8
Fatwa Page 12
Modern Slavery Page 14
The Global Freedom Network Page 18
Founding Parties Page 24
Affiliated Modern Slavery Initiatives Page 32
The Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery Page 36
News Throughout the World Page 40
Inspiring Words Page 42
The Future Page 54
Full Speech Transcripts Page 56
With Thanks Page 74
References Page 75
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 3
PREFACE
In a progressive world, more globally of modern slavery are pervading and Communion had reached an agreement
interconnected and technologically harming countless societies and people. on a global initiative. Furthermore, it was
advanced than ever before, it is difficult a rare joint initiative between Sunni and
to comprehend that up to 36 million This is set to change. Shia Muslim leaders.
human beings are trapped in modern
slavery. It is the greatest number of On Tuesday 2nd December 2014, faith The Joint Declaration recognised the
slaves in history. leaders from across the world breached power of reaching humanity through
cultural, religious and political divides the channels of religion; it is estimated
Modern slavery, taking many tragic to come together in Vatican City to that up to 90 per cent of the world’s
forms, is a blight on modern civilisation pledge an end to modern slavery and population can be influenced through
that has been described as a crime human trafficking by 2020. They were faith. The solidarity of the different
against humanity. Its ugly tentacles joined by leaders from many countries faiths was a symbolic demonstration
stretch through almost every country in of the world, representing the business, that clarified ambiguity towards modern
the world, not discriminating between political and civil sectors. slavery in various religious texts, and
religion, nationality or age. Modern proclaimed once and for all that modern
slavery involves the ancient forms of In a watershed event, global leaders slavery is not acceptable in the eyes of
slavery itself, human trafficking, forced from the Christian Catholic, Anglican any of the great faiths, indeed, never
labour, debt bondage, organ trafficking, and Orthodox religions, as well as under God.
forced or servile marriage, and the sale Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim
and exploitation of girls, boys, women faiths, signed the Joint Declaration The signing event signified the
and men. of Religious Leaders Against Modern first step in an initiative that will
Slavery. Initiated and coordinated by eventually include the engagement and
Over hundreds of years, many have the Global Freedom Network, the 2nd commitment of other world religious
battled the seemingly impossible task December event was historic not only for principals, sovereign, corporate and civil
of ending modern slavery. In modern its definitive commitment to work across leaders, and global influencers. With
times, organisations have applied their religions to eradicate modern slavery, the Global Freedom Network continuing
brightest brains, backed by significant but also because it was possibly the first to guide the journey, it embodies a
resources and the best intentions, to the time ever that these faith leaders had collaborative endeavour of a massive
issue. Yet, on a global scale, only small met as a group, unified in a common scale that includes partnerships and
dents have been made in the armoury of cause, signing their names on the same alliances with networks and groups
the evil creature that is modern slavery. document. It was the first time since the working towards the same goal: that the
It is a problem that continues to grow, establishment of the Catholic Church trade and exploitation of human beings
largely uncensored, and particularly that the Pope had met with a Grand for commercial or personal gain must
in places where poverty and greed are Ayatollah in person. In addition, it was cease.
different sides of the same coin. The the first time post the Reformation
moral, political and economic outcomes that the Catholic Church and Anglican
4 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
LHS FRONT ROW: Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi; Sheikh Naziyah Razzaq Jaafar representing Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Basheer Hussain al Najafi (appeared via video); Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma);
Pope Francis; Venerable Bhikkhuni Thích Nu Chân Không representing Zen Master Thích Nhâť Hanh; Dr. Abbas Abdalla Abbas Soliman, Undersecretary of State of Al Azhar Alsharif representing Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb Grand Imam of Al Azhar
LHS MIDDLE ROW: Andrew Forrest; Grace Forrest;The Most Ven. Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana; Rabbi Skorka; Rabbi Rosen; His Eminence Emmanuel Adamakis of France, Church of Constantinople representing His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew of Constantinople (appeared via video) LHS BACK ROW: Imam Omar Abboud; Archbishop Justin Welby
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 5
THE DREAM
Modern slavery in all of its guises – such to spread the message far and wide that Forrest: to gain the commitment of the
as human trafficking, forced labour, modern slavery is a corrupt and evil major faith leaders, working on behalf of
sexual exploitation and organ trafficking abuse of core human values? their communities, towards eradicating
– is endemic in many countries. It often modern slavery and signing the Joint
preys on society’s most vulnerable The answers may well lie in the coming Declaration of Religious Leaders Against
people, stripping them of their rights to together of religions in a united front Modern Slavery.
freedom and dignity. It usually involves against slavery. If the teachings and
money, corruption and widespread application of various faiths reach up to It was the first step in a vision that
abuses of power. 90 per cent of the world’s population, embraces gaining the commitment of
then there can be no greater way to other world leaders, including sovereign,
It has long been recognised that there influence the vast majority of the world’s corporate and civil leaders, and other
can be no single way to end slavery; it is population. For it will be through faith leaders, in the declaration that each
a crime that must be tackled at all levels, the shifting of cultural norms and and every person is a free human being,
through all networks and with a broad behaviours, complementing judicial, whether girl, boy, woman or man, and
range of resources. It must be challenged supply chain and international protocol is destined to exist for the good of all in
at its roots as well as dissolved in its enforcements, that sustained change will equality and fraternity.
myriad of branches and channels. But occur.
how to reach into the many countries
and communities that harbour modern This was the dream of Australian
Father Federico Lombardi holds up the signed
Declaration; history is made.
slavery and put an end to it? And how businessman and philanthropist Andrew
The Official Party Grace Forrest meets Pope Francis
6 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) signs
The audience Andrew Forrest signs the Declaration on behalf of the Global Freedom Network
the Declaration
Joy shared between Andrew Forrest and The Most Ven
The Official Party Dr Abbas Sbdalla bbas Soliman signs the Declaration on behalf of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar
Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana on the signing of the Declaration
Survivor Advocate James Kofi Annan reads the Declaration in English Pope Francis receives a gift Archbishop Justin Welby signs the Declaration alongside the Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 7
TURNING THE DREAM INTO REALITY:
A JOURNEY OF GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE
The defeat of modern slavery is not a
“FORREST THEN EMBARKED ON A goal for the faint hearted, nor is it a
STRENUOUS JOURNEY TO BRING road to be travelled alone. The journey
THE WORLD’S HIGHEST RANKING towards the Joint Declaration was as
RELIGIOUS LEADERS TOGETHER important as the 2nd December event
TO CONDEMN SLAVERY. MOST itself, requiring enormous levels of
RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS energy, courage and generosity from
ARE, BY DEFINITION, RIDDLED many individuals and organisations, and
WITH PROTOCOL AND GRUELING a collaborative mind-set.
FORMALITIES, AND ASSEMBLING
SENIOR FIGURES OF DIFFERENT A renewed determination that something
FAITHS IS A GARGANTUAN TASK. both practical and spiritual had to be
WITH TIRELESS EFFORTS SPANNING done to address modern slavery had
OVER A YEAR, THE GFN AND THE been gathering momentum around
WALK FREE FOUNDATION WORKED the world in the years immediately
WITH VATICAN OFFICIALS, FINALLY preceding 2nd December 2014.
ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE,
AND THE SUPREME CLERGYMEN The journey began back in 2012 in
AND WOMEN CONVENED ON 2ND Australia when business leader and
DECEMBER, 2014.” 1 philanthropist Andrew Forrest and his
Sayed Mahdi al-Modarresi wife Nicola launched the Walk Free
Foundation, with a powerfully simple
mission of ‘a world without slavery’.
Sayed Mahdi Modarresi is a distinguished faith leader, author and lecturer, covering
Islamic history, theology and spirituality. He has led prayers at the United States House
of Representatives and lectures at forums around the world. Sayed Modarresi advises
senior religious leaders on human rights and major faith initiatives. He provides a
unique perspective on Islam in a cosmopolitan context, and is the author of The Lost
Testament, What Christians Don’t Know About Jesus, published in 2015. Nicola and Andrew Forrest, founders of the Walk Free Foundation
8 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY“HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A CRIME
AGAINST HUMANITY. WE MUST UNITE On 13th March 2013, the world Reflection” in Rome, organised by the Andrew grew increasingly interested
OUR EFFORTS TO FREE THE VICTIMS AND witnessed Pope Francis begin a new Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace to in the stance and role of religion in
STOP THIS INCREASINGLY AGGRESSIVE papacy as head of the Catholic Church, encourage mining companies to discuss slavery, and recognised that, while
CRIME WHICH THREATENS NOT ONLY and on 21st March 2013, Archbishop better ways to operate in synchronicity some religions were working on
INDIVIDUALS BUT THE BASIC VALUES OF Justin Welby begin as Archbishop of with communities and the environment. interventions in various pockets of the
SOCIETY ...” 2 Canterbury and head of the Anglican world, these were specific projects that
Pope Francis Communion. It was here that Andrew enjoyed a long didn’t necessarily have geographic or
and fruitful meeting with Cardinal Peter global reach or sustainability. He knew
A new era of Christian leadership Turkson, and the two of them began to that faith-based interventions were
After Grace Forrest first went to Nepal on began, and the leaders shared a unity plan out a strategy to bring all of the going to be required, and saw that faith
a student trip in 2010 and was dismayed of encouraging a movement to arise religions together. Cardinal Turkson leaders would need to come together as
by what she saw, the family sat around against modern slavery. was the religious leader who gave a united force if modern slavery was to
the kitchen table toying about what Andrew the belief that while it would be eradicated. Underpinning this was a
they could do to alleviate or perhaps The new Pope ensured that many of be extraordinarily difficult, all the great need to clarify the meaning and intent of
even play a role in ending modern his speeches were sprinkled with his faiths could be persuaded to come slavery in religious texts.
day slavery - much of which they had abhorrence of modern slavery calling it together in unity and love to defeat this
witnessed in Nepal. This kitchen table a crime against humanity. common scourge affecting them all. Andrew decided to tackle the concept
meeting led to the founding of the Walk head-on, flying into countries such as
Free Foundation, and not long later, in a In May 2013, the Archbishop of Egypt, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan,
thorough audit of its own supply chains, Canterbury, the Most Rev’d and Rt Hon England and Italy in 2013 and 2014
Fortescue Metals Group discovered a Justin Welby, spoke about the challenge to hold discussions with faith leaders
contractor serving it and hundreds of of human trafficking and its significance and gain their commitment towards a
other clients around the world, using to the Churches of the World with Pope collaborative approach. He enlisted the
forced and bonded labour as a key part Francis during a meeting at the Vatican. assistance of an old friend, Raza Jafar,
of its supply chains. The determination The Anglican Communion was keen to a leading global businessman and
of Andrew to form a business-like global work with the Catholic Church in new philanthropist.
strategy to end modern slavery became and progressive ways, and regarded
clear. He envisaged massive campaigns modern slavery as a challenge on which Not long after he arranged a meeting
against modern slavery to emerge they could work together. with the Archbishop of Canterbury who
sequentially but rapidly to embrace provided exactly the same level of strong
the entire world. This included social In September 2013, Andrew Forrest encouragement as Cardinal Turkson had
media, business, direct intervention, Cardinal Turkson
participated in a “Vatican Day of done. It was those two men alone who
global analysis and research on an convinced Andrew to devote much of his
unprecedented scale, and a worldwide life and capital to the risk of much of this
government initiative. One of the keys “ THERE ARE ALREADY CLOSE AND TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN US
AS FAITH LEADERS. OUR TASK NOW IS TO MAKE THOSE RELATIONSHIPS failing.
to all of these initiatives was to affect the
heart of man, and the resolve to turn to WORK EFFECTIVELY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF ALL PEOPLE. THE ANGLICAN
COMMUNION HAS GIVEN A HIGH PRIORITY TO THIS TASK.” 3 In Rome, Andrew was persuaded
the religions and to join their battle with persuaded by the Australian Ambassador
a coordinated strategic global business- Most Rev’d and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
to the Holy See, John McCarthy to work
like initiative.
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 9with a Bishop - Bishop Marcelo Sánchez the Vatican workshop in November time in history to end modern slavery. Moxon (for the Archbishop of
Sorondo, Chancellor of PAS/PASS, as 2013 and February 2014, numerous They called this new body the Global Canterbury), Andrew Forrest (for the
opposed to Cardinal Turkson. Andrew’s discussions took place with the idea of Freedom Network and resolved to meet Walk Free Foundation) and Dr Mahmoud
only comment when asked about the creating a worldwide organisation to with the Vatican. Azab (for the Grand Imam of Al Azhar).
veracity of this advice was that it made represent the urgent and united fight The inclusion of the Grand Imam, which
the process of achieving 2nd December against slavery. On 6th February 2014, a Memorandum had come about following the building
immensely more difficult. of Agreement to establish the Global of relationships through Andrew Forrest
On 15 January 2014, Archbishop Freedom Network was signed in Vatican and Raza Jafar, was a critical milestone.
Critically, Andrew and a team of advisors Sir David Moxon flew into Perth and City by religious representatives
that included Raza Jafar and Amal introduced Andrew to Antonia Stampalija including the Chancellor of PAS/ On 1st April 2014, the office of the
Noureldin were able to facilitate the who had considerable experience as PASS, Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Global Freedom Network opened and the
declaration of a Muslim Fatwa against an executive working with major faiths Sorondo, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, inaugural Chief Executive Officer,
modern slavery, in 2013. The team had throughout Australia and abroad. the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ms Antonia Stampalija from Perth,
held many discussions with Imams and Together, and with the agreement Representative to the Holy See, and Western Australia, commenced in her role.
scholars at the Al Azhar University in in principle from Pope Francis and Andrew Forrest, Chairman of the Walk The Global Freedom Network’s office
Cairo and Alexandria and in December Archbishop Justin Welby, they formed Free Foundation. was located within the walls of the Holy
2013. Andrew set a deadline for the the genesis of a new body to take their See in the beautiful and historic Casina
Alexandria University to deliver the commitment and Andrew’s dream of Almost six weeks later, on 17th March Pio IV, current home of the Pontifical
Fatwa, and as promissed, travelled uniting major faith leaders for the first 2014 at a press conference in Italy, Academy of Sciences, which Pope
to Alexandria on the due date to an announcement was made to the Paul IV commissioned in the spring
personally receive it to the great delight “ WE WENT DELIBERATELY TO THE world that the Global Freedom Network of 1558. Upon Pope Paul IV’s death
of particularly the Imams. They had HEART OF MAN, WITH THE AIM TO had been established. During the on 18th August 1559, Pope Pius IV
unselfishly worked for many months CALL UPON RELIGIOUS LEADERS press conference, the Memorandum continued with the building project until
to produce the first ever Fatwa against TO REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS of Agreement was signed by Bishop completion in 1562.
slavery. Andrew then took the Fatwa and WE COULD. THIS IS PARTICULARLY Sánchez (for the PAS/PASS), Archbishop
personally delivered it to the Archbishop IMPORTANT WHEN RELIGIONS USE
of Canterbury, who when holding it in TEXTS TO JUSTIFY SLAVERY.
his hands, commented that this was
the first Fatwa he had ever seen, and “ WE WANTED TO REMOVE THE
therefore the most important. Later, AMBIGUITY IN ALL RELIGIOUS TEXTS
Andrew also personally gave a copy BY HAVING FAITH LEADERS DECLARE
of the Fatwa to Pope Francis, and was THAT THERE IS NOW NO ROOM FOR
further encouraged to continue drawing SLAVERY IN ANY TEXT, OR IN ANY
the great faiths together, as now Islam FAITH. LONG JOURNEYS START WITH
and Christianity had been drawn into A SINGLE STEP, AND I FELT THAT IT
agreement. WAS IMPORTANT TO PERSONALLY
GO AND VISIT FAITH LEADERS IN
By the end of 2013, the seeds of a global THEIR COUNTRIES TO START THE
network to end slavery, and the pursuit DISCUSSIONS.”
4
of a formal commitment from major faith Andrew Forrest, Chairman Walk Free
leaders, had been firmly sown. Between
10 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYAs a first priority and commitment of “ WE WERE TOLD BY VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO
the newly established Global Freedom PULL OFF, THAT IT WOULD BE HARD TO AGREE ON WORDING. BUT WE
Network’s Memorandum of Agreement, NEVER BAULKED, EVEN THOUGH WE WERE TRYING TO COMBINE WHAT HAD
it was agreed that a joint faith leaders’ NEVER BEEN COMBINED BEFORE – PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES, CULTURAL,
declaration against modern slavery and LANGUAGE, WAYS OF RELIGIONS – SOME ENORMOUS CHALLENGES. I HAVE
human trafficking as a crime against NEVER BEEN ENGAGED IN SOMETHING SO HUGE AND COMPLEX. WE ALL
humanity be pursued as a matter of HAD A SENSE OF URGENCY. WE KNEW THAT IF IT DRAGGED ALONG IT MIGHT
urgency. FALL APART – PEOPLE WOULD THINK OF REASONS WHY IT WOULDN’T WORK,
OR WE WOULD LOSE MOMENTUM. WE KEPT THE MOMENTUM BY KEEPING
Discussions were held with major faith THE GOAL IN MIND.” 6
leaders around the world, including Archbishop Sir David Moxon, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s
Christian Catholic, Anglican and representative to the Holy See
Orthodox as well as Buddhist, Hindu,
Jewish and Muslim. Gaining the support
ongoing commitment to work with the
of both the Sunni and Shia Muslim faiths
Orthodox Church.
was considered critical. This process
involved travelling to countries in the
On the 2nd of December 2014 – the
Middle East, for example Iraq, in which
International Day for Abolition of Slavery
the personal safety of Andrew Forrest and
– the historic event took place within the
his team was dangerously compromised.
walls of Vatican City.
The team also travelled to Russia to
commence the process of relationship-
History was made with faith leaders
building with Russian Orthodox Patriarch
uniting to end modern slavery and
Krill. While the Patriarch did not attend
human trafficking.
the Joint Declaration signing, there is an
“ THIS WAS A HIGHLY COLLABORATIVE
ENDEAVOUR THAT INVOLVED COMMITTED
TEAMS FROM ITALY, THE UNITED
KINGDOM, GERMANY AND AUSTRALIA. “ WE ALL CAME TOGETHER TO MAKE
THEY WORKED TOGETHER ON MANY IT WORK … THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM
COMPLEX AND CHALLENGING ISSUES INTEGRATED WITH THE LOCAL TEAM
OVER A PERIOD OF MANY MONTHS. THE IN ROME TO PUT TOGETHER THIS
TEAMS WORKED AGAINST ALL ODDS TO HISTORIC FEAT.” 7
OVERCOME LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL Felicity Gooding, COO Minderoo
DIFFERENCES; THE RESULTS WERE and Walk Free Foundation
OUTSTANDING.” 5
Antonia Stampalija, Chief Executive
Officer, Global Freedom Network
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 11FATWA AGAINST SLAVERY
A Fatwa was issued by the Al Azhar sea, and have provided them with At- as he made hitting slaves on the face Today, slavery to other than Allah has
Al Sharif, Preaching and Opinion Taiyibat (lawful good things ), and have a great sin, expiated only by setting almost ended everywhere but in rare
Committee in Alexandria, Egypt, on preferred them above many of those the assaulted slave free. He also gave underdeveloped areas, leaving only
12th December 2013. The Fatwa was whom we have created with a marked slaves the option to free themselves by traces of slavery to personal urges,
unilaterally declared against modern preference} (Verse 70, Sourat Al Isra’ ). buying their freedom for an amount human trafficking including children
slavery and human trafficking, from And after guaranteeing good livelihood, of money to be paid in instalments; trafficking who are (sic) sometimes
a Muslim perspective based on the Allah granted humans their freedom, that is in case they don’t find anyone kidnapped from their parents or
teachings on the Quran. including the freedom to believe or to release them. The prophet (peace be guardians and sold as property, their
disbelieve, as stated in the Holy Quran in upon him) was a role model in freeing organs sold without their consent, or
In the name of Allah, what translates to: {then whosoever wills, many female war captures (sic), thus they become forced labour. The worst
the most gracious, the most merciful let him believe, and whosoever wills, preserving their dignity and the dignity type of human trafficking in the modern
Al Azhar Al Sharif let him disbelieve} (Verse 29,Sourat of their families. Allah prohibited world remains the kidnapping of women
Preaching and opinion committee Alkahf). Allah in his mercy clarified the adultery in Muslim’s Shaira (sic) as it was and girls, tempting them with imaginary
in Alexandria consequences of disbelief́, so that no prohibited in previous heavenly religion, jobs and high salaries, or raping them to
To: Mr. Andrew Forrest - Chairman of one can have an excuse of not being and made just approaching adultery a fall as prey to criminals who hire them
the Walk Free Foundation, informed. Allah assigned parents as huge sin punished by bad destiny. By to brokers and pimps, where they are
May ALLAH peace, mercy, guardians to protect their children and that, Islam aimed at preserving human subjected to dreadful conditions, raped
and blessings be upon you. raise them on virtue. Islam prohibited societies from corruption. The prophet at all times, including when sick or in
kidnapping women and children, and as (peace be upon him) warned Muslims the period of menstrual (sic) and by over
As Islam is a divine religion that slavery was spreading at that age, Islam of life’s temptations, women seduction 20 men in a single day. These women
preserves the human right to live, Allah made freeing a slave equal to erasing on top of these temptations, giving his are usually stripped of their money
in his mercy prohibited unrighteous sins, and made alI humans equal in front companions an example of the Jews, and identification documents, and left
killing, and preserved human dignity, of Allah, with only knowledge and good whose first temptation was caused by a threatened by scandal, murder, or torture
as stated in the Holy Quran in what deeds to elevate one over another. woman. The prophet says in the context: in case they attempt escape or refusal.
translates to : {and indeed we have [beware of life’s temptations and beware These poor women become hostage of
honored the children of Adam, and The Muslim prophet Muhammad (peace of women]. this condition, resented by religious
we have carried them on land and be upon him) was a merciful prophet, societies, and helped by no one.
12 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY“ WHEN THE FIRST EVER FATWA (AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY) WAS ISSUED, THERE WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE LEVEL OF WARMTH AND WELCOME FROM PEOPLE
AND RELIGIOUS IMAMS. THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME WE STARTED TO GET REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS. GETTING THE FATWA WAS REALLY THE TURNING
POINT.
“(AT FIRST) NO-ONE BELIEVED WE HAD A FATWA. THE FATWA DID NOT ONLY HELP IN LEADING UP TO THE 2ND DECEMBER EVENT, IT HELPED IN A BIG WAY
WITH THE BOKO HARAM ISSUE IN NIGERIA – WHILE THAT WAS HAPPENING WE WERE ABLE TO ISSUE THE FATWA ALL OVER THE WORLD AND CAMPAIGN
AGAINST (THE BOKO HARAM).” 8
Raza Jafar, global philanthropist and businessman
Human trafficking is now as powerful as right to live, especially with regards to
a state, with almost billions of dollars women and children.
in annual revenue. This tainted money
comes from acts that are destructive to We hereby declare that Islam prohibits
dignified human societies, a fact well white slavery trade, human trafficking,
known to the United Nation and the children trafficking, forced labour and
world. human organ trade.
We salute your efforts in combating We are hoping you will create
white slavery and human trafficking by opportunities for collaboration with other
exposing its means and networks, and Arab and Islamic organisations, in order
warning the international community of to initiate a global workforce serving this
the dangers associated with this crime, noble and pure purpose.
as well as identifying and rehabilitating
victims, so that they lead dignified May Allah lead us all to what is of good
honest lives. This becomes of high for humanity.
urgency today, especially with many
societies falling under war, poverty, and
division, such as Russia and some East
Asian countries, and the wide spread
of human trafficking networks in some
European and American countries.
Definition of “FATWA” /’fatwa:/
As we support your efforts, we wish you
a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognised authority.
success to what is good for humanity,
and ending injustice and modern age A Fatwa is the highest authority of the Islamic world, considered by most
slavery, thus saving human dignity and academic and political leaders in the study of the Qur ’an.
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 13MODERN SLAVERY
Nearly 36 million people around the violence, usually for no pay and Slaves can be found in factories, fields
world are trapped in modern slavery , for long hours. This can occur in and brothels, on fishing boats, within
9
more than at any time in our history and factories, farms, fishing boats, and private residences and a multitude of
in spite of the fact that slavery is illegal people’s homes. other places where greed and corruption
in almost every country. Those enslaved • Bonded labour or debt bondage, in have overridden human values. People
have had their rights and freedom stolen which people are forced to work in trapped in slavery live brutal existences
from them in horrendous circumstances. order to pay off debts. This can be in cities and villages, slums and rural
“MODERN SLAVERY INVOLVES They are often subjected to abuse, both inter-generational. areas.
ONE PERSON POSSESSING physical and mental, and are treated • Children recruited as soldiers and
OR CONTROLLING ANOTHER as commodities to be bought, sold and used in armed conflict. From Thai fisherman trawling fish, to the
PERSON IN SUCH A WAY AS traded. • Organ removal for commercial gain Congolese boy mining diamonds, from
TO SIGNIFICANTLY DEPRIVE by traffickers. Organs removed the Uzbek child picking cotton to the
THAT PERSON OF THEIR Types of modern slavery include: without consent can include the Indian girl stitching footballs - modern
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, WITH liver, kidney, pancreas, cornea, lung slavery is big business. Acknowledging
THE INTENTION OF EXPLOITING • Men, women and children trafficked and heart. the problem, and advocating against it is
THAT PERSON THROUGH THEIR and sexually exploited. our responsibility.
USE, MANAGEMENT, PROFIT, • Forced labour in which people work
TRANSFER OR DISPOSAL.” 10 against their will, under threat of
Global Slavery Index
“ THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THIS IS NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY. RIGHT NOW, ACROSS THE GLOBE,
VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING ARE DARING TO IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITY OF ESCAPE, THE
CHANCE FOR A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A LIVING WAGE.” 11
John F. Kerry, US Secretary of State
14 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY“EVERY PERSON AND ALL PEOPLE ARE EQUAL AND THEIR FREEDOM AND DIGNITY MUST BE
RECOGNIZED. ANY DISCRIMINATING RELATIONSHIP THAT DOES NOT RESPECT THE FUNDAMENTAL
CONVICTION THAT THE “OTHER IS LIKE ME MYSELF” CONSTITUTES A CRIME, AND VERY OFTEN AN
ABHORRENT CRIME.” 16
Pope Francis
A range of international conventions other (7 per cent) and organ removal World leaders from all walks of life world. Transnational criminal networks
contend that slavery and human (0.3 per cent).12In 2013, fewer than agree that all forms of modern slavery thrive in such conditions of vulnerability.
trafficking is punishable by national law. 45,000 victims were identified, 10,000 constitute an abuse of human rights.
In 2000, the United Nations adopted a prosecutions occurred, and only 6,000
Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish convictions were enforced.13
Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women “HUMAN TRAFFICKING RIPS APART THE LIVES OF INNOCENT AND HELPLESS
and Children – the Palermo Protocol, Modern slavery is, sadly, big business CHILDREN, WHO EMBRACE LIFE WITH A HEART FULL OF SWEET DREAMS FOR THE
which now has 186 countries as parties. for the criminals making a profit from FUTURE, BUT ARE LEFT, IN THE END, DESTROYED AND DISCARDED.” 15
The Palermo Protocol supplemented the human misery. It is estimated that total Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma)
UN Convention Against Transnational profits from the use of forced labour in
Organized Crime (2000). the private economy is of the order of
an estimated USD150 billion per year. “Every human being — man, woman,
However, legislation in some Business supply chains that navigate boy and girl — is the image of God;
countries does not always comply numerous borders and involve various God is love and freedom, who gives
with international requirements. The organisations and subcontractors can himself through interpersonal
number of convictions has been low in prove difficult to trace. Forced labour can relations; therefore every human
comparison to the estimated number exist in both the services industry and in being is a free person, destined to live
of actual victims. In 2014, governments the production of goods. Consumers all for the good of others in equality and
reported to the UN Office on Drugs and over the world, in developing countries brotherhood.” (Pope Francis)
Crime that they had identified victims of and wealthy nations, regularly buy, eat
152 citizenships in 124 countries with or use products that result from forced Modern slavery is a complex issue in
at least 510 trafficking flows detected. labour – either in full knowledge of their which risk factors are often intertwined.
Of those victims identified, 49 per cent provenance or unknowingly. Poverty, lawlessness and unstable
were women, followed by girls (21 per political systems and environments all
cent), men (18 per cent) and boys (12 “The crime of trafficking in persons contribute. Many communities suffer
per cent). Forms of exploitation of those affects virtually every country in every from harmful customs and a lack of
identified included sexual exploitation region of the world.”14 (UNODC, 2014) education, while discrimination against
(53 per cent), forced labour (40 per cent), women and children is rife all over the
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 15SURVIVORS OF MODERN SLAVERY
Of special poignancy at the Joint Declaration signing on 2nd December 2014 were the stories of two survivors of modern slavery, James Kofi Annan and
Claudia, whose heartfelt commitment to ending slavery reflected their determination that future generations would not have to suffer as they had.
JAMES KOFI ANNAN CLAUDIA
James Kofi Annan is the founder of Challenging Heights, a non-government Claudia (not her real name) was born into a poor family in Mexico, where she was a victim
organisation in Ghana that protects the rights of children and particularly of child prostitution for four years. She survived to become one of the first successful
focuses its anti-trafficking efforts on the fishing and cocoa industries. James is a people to go through Mexico’s reintegration processes. Claudia is now married and the
survivor of child trafficking and child labour who was forced to work in villages mother of two daughters. She told the 2nd December event:
along Lake Volta from the age of six, before he escaped at age 13. He became
educated and worked in a bank before establishing Challenging Heights in “I was a victim of human trafficking; I was taken to a shelter where I recovered. After
2003. He told the 2nd December event: recovering, what struck me more were the psychologists. The psychologists, during
therapy, told me that they understood me that they knew what I was going through. I
“One of the main reasons why people are enslaved is poverty, but at the core asked them: How can you know what I’m going through, if you didn’t suffer it? That’s
of it, it is people who take advantage of the vulnerability of others to enslave when I realised that we must help the survivors the way they need it.
them and sell them. During the last nine years, my organisation, Challenging
Heights, in Ghana, has rescued over one thousand children from modern-day “To truly help, one must understand what the survivors
slavery; 90 per cent of them come from the churches. Both those who abuse feel. And that is how I realised I just wanted to help
and those who are abused happen to come from the Christian community. other people that had suffered the same circumstances.
I’m optimistic, and I have been so for quite a long time.
“What that tells me, is that addressing Christian faith is very crucial in order I know we can put an end to human trafficking. Today’s
to solve this problem. Lake Volta is an area where the ILO (International Labor event was amazing. I would never have imagined
Organisation) estimates that over 48 per cent of all the children are enslaved. witnessing this day. These people support us by
So we are talking about an enormous figure, but it’s committing themselves to help us put an end to human
not insurmountable. trafficking. And that’s very moving, because it gives us
strength to move forward, to help and understand the
“We can achieve the goal of ending modern-day survivors better.”
slavery within the target of six years. To do that, I
believe all of us, joined together, can push to get the “ TO TRULY HELP, ONE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT
last one per cent of children to go to school. If every THE SURVIVORS FEEL.”
child is in school, then there will be no Claudia
child who is enslaved, and that
is what I believe the Global Freedom ”ONE OF THE ISSUES AT THE GRASSROOTS IS POVERTY … BUT AT THE CORE OF IT
Network is all about, and I’m happy IS PEOPLE WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VULNERABILITY OF OTHERS TO ENSLAVE
to be part of it. Thank you very much THEM AND TO SELL THEM.” 17
for giving me this opportunity.” James Kofi Annan, Founder Challenging Heights
16 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYRELIGION AND SLAVERY
The eradication of slavery is an issue The world-first achievement of consensus “ THE DEEPEST DESIRE OF OUR TEACHER IS THAT ALL
upon which all major faiths can agree in in the form of the Declaration of RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN AND BUILD A TRUE FRATERNITY
the present day. However, within each Religious Leaders Against Modern THROUGH DEEP MUTUAL LISTENING TO SUFFERINGS AND
faith there are fundamental differences Slavery is even more significant JOYS, SO THAT WE CAN TOUCH THE HUMANITY SHARED BY ALL
about what slavery entails, and the given the complexity of the fractured AND DEEPLY UNDERSTAND OUR INTERCONNECTEDNESS.” 18
boundaries of human behaviour that are understanding and teachings of slavery Bhikkuni Venerable Sister Chan Khong
acceptable. in various faiths and cultures. It is
important to recognise that the leaders
This is an ongoing challenge for faith who signed the Joint Declaration were
leaders in working together to eradicate not representatives of their religion “AT ITS CORE, DIVINE RELIGION IS ONE
modern slavery: divisions within worldwide, but representatives of their THING, BUT FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND
individual religions themselves create own major faith communities. RELIGION HAS DIVIDED HUMAN BEINGS
internal tensions, with aspiration and AND CREATED BARRIERS BETWEEN US.
application of a religion and its doctrines WE MUST EXERT EXTRA EFFORT TO TEAR
often disparate according to the country DOWN THOSE BARRIERS AND JOIN
and culture. RELIGIONS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF
A COMMON TERM.” 19
Sayed Mahdi al-Modarresi
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 17THE GLOBAL FREEDOM NETWORK
AND THE BOOK OF SIGNATURES
The Global Freedom Network works with The Global Freedom Network is the
faiths, businesses, governments and “IN SPITE OF THE EFFORTS critical part of the Walk Free Foundation
national authorities, and civil society OF A LOT OF PEOPLE OVER multi-tiered strategy to end modern
groups and NGOs throughout the world A LONG TIME, THINGS HAD slavery. While most of Walk Free’s
to eradicate modern slavery and human NOT CHANGED, THEREFORE IT work has been “boots on the ground”
trafficking by 2020. It has its origins NEEDED FAITH SUPPORT. UP TO with direct intervention into slave
in the 2013 discussions between the 90 PER CENT OF THE WORLD IS communities by The Freedom Fund, there
Walk Free Foundation, the Anglican INFLUENCED BY FAITH. has been unprecedented and detailed
Communion and the Roman Catholic research and measurement by the Global
Church, and was founded in early 2014. “ THIS (FIGHT AGAINST Slavery Index and massive on-the-
MODERN SLAVERY) WAS AN ground support with the world’s largest
On 17th March 2014, a Memorandum IDEAL CHALLENGE THAT THE anti-slavery social movement, all leading
of Agreement and Joint Statement ANGLICANS AND CATHOLICS to the Global Fund to End Slavery. The
establishing the Global Freedom COULD RISE TO TOGETHER. WE Global Freedom Network’s role is to
Network were signed by representatives BOTH AGREE THAT IT IS WRONG, collectify global support through the
from Lambeth Palace in the United A TRAGEDY, AND A CRIME book of Joint Declaration’s historical
Kingdom, Casina Pio IV in Vatican City, AGAINST HUMANITY.”
20
signatures to ensure global leadership
Al-Azhar Mosque in Egypt and Walk Archbishop Sir David Moxon, support at all levels.
Free Foundation in Australia. The Global the Archbishop of Canterbury’s
Freedom Network officially opened its representative to the Holy See
doors, in Vatican City, on 1st April 2014.
18 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYAs at 2nd December 2014, a Governance • H.E. Ambassador Pierre Morel,
and Leadership Council, comprising Director of Pharos Observatory on
representatives from the Holy See, Cultural and Religious Pluralism
Anglican Communion, Walk Free • Archbishop Sir David Moxon,
Foundation, Australian Embassy at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s
the Holy See, and the Grand Imam representative to the Holy See
of al-Azhar al-Sharif Ahmed El- • H.Em. Cardinal George Pell,
Tayeb, represented the interests and Prefect of the Secretariat of the
engagement of the various parties. Economy and Member of the
The inaugural Council comprised: Council of Cardinals
• H.E. Bishop Marcelo Sánchez
• The Rev. Rachel Carnegie, Joint Sorondo, Chancellor of PAS/PASS
Executive Director of the Anglican (Inaugural Council Chair)
Alliance • H.Em. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran,
• Mr Andrew Forrest, Chairman Walk President of the Pontifical Council
Free Foundation for Interreligious Dialogue
• Ambassador Mahmoud Abdel • H.Em. Cardinal Peter Turkson,
Gawad, Chief Diplomatic Advisor to President of the Pontifical Council
Grand Imam of Al Azhar for Justice and Peace
• Raza Jafar, Vice-Chair Walk Free
Foundation, Middle East and North • (Executive Staff)
Africa Antonia Stampalija, Chief
• H.Em. Cardinal Kurt Koch, Executive Officer; Gabriella C.
President of the Pontifical Council Marino, Board Manager In March 2015, Monsignor Sánchez Sorondo, withdrew as the Catholic
for Promoting Christian Unity • (Honorary Council Members) party to the Global Freedom Network. The withdrawal took place
• H.Em. Cardinal Oscar Andrés H.Em. Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, simultaneous to the election of the new chair, as contemplated under the
Rodriguez Maradiaga, President President Emeritus of the Pontifical provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement. Each faith will continue
of Caritas International and Council for Justice and Peace to work out its own particular commitment to the declaration, within or
Coordinator of the Councils of and Vice-Dean of the College outside the network. The Executive Board of Global Freedom Network
Cardinals of Cardinals; H.Em. Cardinal now includes Archbishop Sir David Moxon, Andrew Forrest and Antonia
• H.Em. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Georges Marie Martin Cottier, Stampalija. As at the start of November 2015, the Council comprised:
Member of the Council of Cardinals O.P., Pro-Theologian Emeritus of the Archbishop Sir David Moxon, the Rev. Rachel Carnegie (Anglican
• H.E. Ambassador John McCarthy, Prefecture of the Papal Household Communion); Andrew Forrest, Raza Jafar (Walk Free Foundation);
Australian Embassy, The Holy See and PAS Academician Ambassador Mahmoud Abdel Gawad (on behalf of the Grand Imam of
al-Azhar al-Sharif Ahmed El-Tayeb); H.E. Ambassador John McCarthy,
Australian Embassy to the Holy See; and Antonia Stampalija (Global
Freedom Network).
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 19THE BOOK OF SIGNATURES AND DECLARATIONS 20 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY
INTRODUCTION to the RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Joint Declarations Joint Declaration
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 21CIVIL LEADERS CORPORATE LEADERS
Joint Declaration Joint Declaration
22 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYSOVEREIGN LEADERS GLOBAL INFLUENCERS
Joint Declaration Joint Declaration
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 23THE GLOBAL FREEDOM NETWORK:
FOUNDING PARTIES
Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace; Dr Mahmoud Azab; Archbishop Sir David
Moxon, representing Archbishop Justin Welby; Bishop Marcelo
Sánchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of
Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences; and
Mr Andrew Forrest, Chairman of the Walk Free Foundation were
the founders and architects of the Global Freedom Network.
24 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYCARDINAL PETER Cardinal Turkson played an instrumental to come together in unity and love on of God along with the intangible dignity
role in the development of the Joint this urgent issue,” Andrew said. “We both of every person, confident in the Good
TURKSON Declaration, through his encouragement knew that failure was the most likely News of Jesus Christ, who is capable of
and support for the work of Andrew outcome, but the prize of eradicating renewing the heart of man, where sin is
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is Forrest in the goal to eradicate modern slavery as an excuse in religions, and most abundant”.
the President of the Pontifical Council slavery and garner faith leaders’ having on board the world’s faith leaders
for Justice and Peace, first appointed engagement. - covering most of the world’s population “However, despite the great efforts of
to the role on 24 October 2009. Born - was worth taking the risk, even if was many people, modern slavery continues
in Western Ghana as the fourth of 10 “Cardinal Turkson gave me belief. He 1000 to one.” 21 to be an atrocious scourge that is present
children in 1948, Cardinal Turkson has knew that what we planned to undertake on a large scale throughout the world,
served as the Archbishop of Cape Coast, would be incredibly difficult, because it Cardinal Turkson is a humanitarian even as tourism. This ‘crime of injured
and was elevated to the cardinalate by was without precedent. However he felt who has spoken passionately about the humanity’ is masked by apparently
Pope John Paul II in 2003. that the great faiths could be persuaded environment, agriculture, sustainable accepted habits, but in reality it creates
development and the values of victims in prostitution, human trafficking,
humanity. He was a major contributor forced labour, slave labour, mutilation,
to the Pope’s World Day of Peace on 1st the sale of organs, drug abuse and child
January 2015, which had the theme labour. They are concealed behind closed
“Slaves no More, but Brothers and doors, in special places, on the streets,
Sisters”. On the day, Cardinal Turkson in cars, in factories, in the country, in
explained: “Starting from the Epistle of fishing boats and in many other places.
Paul to Philemon and other passages And this happens in both cities and
from the Bible, “the Holy Father shows villages, in the reception centres of the
that God’s plan for humanity does not richest and poorest countries in the
have any place for the enslavement world. And the worst thing is that this
of others, since God calls to all of his situation unfortunately worsens every
sons and daughters to renew their day”.22
interpersonal relationships, respecting
in each person the image and semblance
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 25DR MAHMOUD AZAB and that for 14 centuries Islam had the Pope quoted an unfavorable remark
proclaimed the truth that all humankind about Islam made at the end of the 14th
Dr Mahmoud Azab, the most senior – every single human being, Muslims Century by a Byzantine emporer. The
advisor to the Grand Imam of al-Azhar and non-Muslims, believers or none quote was translated, and widely taken
and globally recognised figure in – was a creature of God and it was the out of context, resulting in protests in
interfaith dialogue, played an important dignity of the creature of God, the many countries.
role in the journey towards 2nd human being, that must prevail.
December 2014. Sadly, he passed away The Joint Declaration proved to be
in Cairo, Egypt, in June 2014. He described the great eagerness a remarkable way to build bridges
and interest with which the al-Azhar between the Muslim faith and the
Dr Azab, a former Professor of Semitic University in Egypt responded to Vatican, with Dr Azab’s gentle and
languages at the Islamic University of Al the initial invitation from the Walk thoughtful presence an instrumental
Azhar in Cairo and Associate Professor of Free Foundation to meet, with the part of the journey.
classic Arabic and Islamic studies at the understanding that it underpinned the
National Institute of Oriental Languages school of Islam’s beliefs on justice and
and Civilisations in Paris, strongly reason.
advocated for interfaith conversations.
He was regularly described as an Dr Azab was particularly forthright in
emblem for tolerance. views about why relationships between
the al-Azhar and Vatican had fallen to a
Dr Azab represented the Grand Imam low ebb after comments made by Pope
of al-Azhar at meetings of the Global Benedict XVI during the Regensburg
Freedom Network. He told interfaith Lecture in September 2006. In that
peers that Islam was 100 per cent address, titled “Faith, Reason and the
against all forms of modern slavery, University – Memories and Reflections”,
26 2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERYAt the 2nd December 2014 event he
said:
“I believe we have hope today which
you can turn into reality through
cleansing business supply chains,
through toughening up legislations
and prosecutions, through faith based
communities mobilising themselves all
over the world, because they know their
communities better than almost anybody
else. I am hopeful!
“I do think we need to say that the
conscience of business people needs to
be steered by faith communities, and
we’ll ask business leaders who have
already cleansed their supply chains to ARCHBISHOP JUSTIN
lead that cause.
WELBY
“If you look around today, you’ve got
countries, faiths, ethnic groups from all The Most Rev’d and Right Hon Justin Welby,
ARCHBISHOP SIR over the world and all socio-economic Archbishop of Canterbury, was an early and
DAVID MOXON conditions, so the genius of today is engaged supporter of the journey towards 2nd
that people from all conditions and December 2014. Together with Archbishop Sir
Arhcbishop Sir David Moxon is all economic strata and all economic David Moxon, the Archbishop of Canterbury
the Archbishop of Canterbury’s dispositions have to see if they will fight committed to joining in the strongest possible
Representative to the Holy See and this together.” collaborations between national governments,
Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. the business sector, police forces, civil society,
He is a New Zealand born Anglican Archbishop Moxon said the Anglican faith communities and all those who long to
bishop whose own journey in fighting Communion sought collaboration with see all humanity live in freedom. He was a
modern slavery was sparked at the other faiths.“ (Before) we had not worked particular pillar of strength to Andrew Forrest
November 2013 conference in the interdependently globally on the issue in the earliest discussions about gaining the
Vatican. of modern slavery. We have activities commitment of major faith leaders towards
in local places, but were not part of eradicating modern slavery.
a collaborative joined-up network. In
particular, this is the biggest global
project to date of an ongoing kind in
Anglican-Catholic cooperation.”
2 DECEMBER 2014 A UNITED FAITH AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY 27BISHOP MARCELO “No less important is Pope Benedict compromised by the globalisation of human trafficking already occupies first
XVI’s 2011 address to the new German indifference whose gravest consequences place, so that far from being a declining
SÁNCHEZ SORONDO ambassador to the Holy See, when, after can be seen in modern forms of slavery social crime, it is becoming ever more
expressing his gratitude to the German and human trafficking – the systematic threatening.”
Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo is government, he expressed his grave deprivation of a person’s liberty, and
Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy concern about the sexual discrimination abuse of his or her body, for example Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo said
of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of women, because ‘every person, through mutilation or organ removal, for gratitude was owed to Pope Francis for
of Social Sciences at the Vatican. He whether man or woman, is destined to the purposes of commercial exploitation. identifying one of the most important
reflected on the Catholic Church’s exist for others. A relationship that fails social tragedies of our times and for
stance on slavery after the signing of to respect the fact that men and women “UNODC estimates that the vast majority establishing, for the first time, on 8th
the Joint Declaration, saying that the have the same dignity constitutes a grave of the trafficking victims detected February 2014, an International Day
Second Vatican Council stated “slavery, crime against humanity.’” globally are females; either adult young of Prayer for the Victims of Human
prostitution, the selling of women women or underage girls. Each year, Trafficking, on the Feast of St Josephine
and children, and disgraceful working “Pope Francis has made eradicating about two million people are victims of Bakhita, herself a Sudanese woman who
conditions where people are treated as modern slavery a central programme of sexual trafficking, 60 per cent of whom was a victim of slavery in the first half of
instruments of gain rather than free and his pontificate.” are girls. Organ trafficking affects 0.3 the 20th century.
responsible persons” were “infamies per cent of trafficking victims who are
which poison human society, debase Of the Joint Declaration, Bishop Marcelo forced or deceived into giving up an
their perpetrators and constitute a Sánchez Sorondo commented: organ (liver, kidney, pancreas cornea,
supreme dishonour to the Creator.” lung, even the heart), not without the
“In a powerful demonstration of complicity of doctors, nurses and other
“In one of the few documents of the solidarity, perhaps this was the first time medical staff who have pledged to
Magisterium of the Popes on the issue of that religious leaders had come together, follow Hippocrates’ oath Primum non
slavery, St John Paul II added that ‘such adding to their ongoing inter-religious nocere. But these chilling figures ‘are
situations are an affront to fundamental dialogue, to make a common statement only the tip of the iceberg’, as criminals
values which are shared by all cultures to affirm that the other is a free person generally go to great lengths to prevent
and peoples, values rooted in the very like you and must be recognised as the detection of their activities. Some
nature of the human person. Moreover, such, and that you must treat others observers speculate that, within 10 years,
he affirmed that the problem is a central as you would treat yourself. You must human trafficking will surpass drugs and
one for the social sciences and natural love your neighbour as yourself. This weapons trafficking to become the most
sciences, in particular in the context of means upholding and defending the profitable criminal activity in the world.
globalisation. true identity of human beings which is Recent trends, however, indicate that
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