The Southern Cross | August 2024

Two young Catholic women from Adelaide joined 140 delegates at the Talitha Kum General Assembly in Rome in May to forge a five-year plan to combat modern slavery.

Young Mercy Links members Isabel Salter and Catherine Edwards were Oceania youth delegates representing Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans (ACRATH).

Isabel, who recently completed a 10-month internship with Mercy Global Action in New York, presented on supply chains and was also a member of the youth panel.

“The importance of youth in the fight against human trafficking cannot be overstated,” Isabel said.

“Throughout the General Assembly, I heard from youth advocates from around the world who are doing incredible work to raise awareness of modern slavery and protect vulnerable people in their communities.

“This was a great reminder to me that young people are powerful and creative advocates, and as we grow into leadership positions, we will have real opportunities to disrupt the patterns of inequality that enable modern slavery to prevail.”

Catherine said the conference deepened her understanding on what people around the world were doing to address human trafficking.

“The conference emphasised the need to address the root causes of trafficking and support survivors at every step,” she said.

“It also highlighted the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of those directly affected, ensuring their experiences shape our actions and policies.”

With 153 delegates from 71 countries, Catherine said it was clear how far-reaching Talitha Kum’s impact is and how essential it is to share best practices.

“Hearing the stories of dedicated individuals working to end human trafficking was both inspiring and motivating,” she said.

“It reinforced the importance of working together and exchanging ideas to improve our collective efforts.”

“The energy and commitment of the delegates were contagious, giving me a renewed sense of purpose.”

Three priorities for the next five years were identified by delegates: making systemic change in the face of new vulnerabilities, a holistic survivor-centred approach, and broadening collaboration and partnerships.