Around the world, 158 million children between 5 and 17 years of age are involved in child labor, working instead of learning. According to the U.S. Bureau of International Labor Affairs, that equates to approximately 1 in 10 children tasked with working in a wide range of industries, much of which is hazardous or back breaking. Children who are obligated to work through force, fraud or coercion, or asked to perform commercial sex acts, are also victims of human trafficking. Nearly 25 million children, women, and men in the United States and throughout the world are compelled into commercial sex or labor– in brothels, salons, as agricultural workers, fishers, beggars, or janitorial staff, in situations of domestic servitude, and more. This is trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery.
Recognizing that survivors of trafficking have unique vulnerabilities and require specialized treatment and care, BRYCS works closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ department of Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) to support its mission of providing outreach, education, services, and advocacy on behalf of victims of trafficking- including the most vulnerable– child victims of trafficking.
Anti-Trafficking Resources
Anti-Trafficking Newsletter
The monthly Anti-Trafficking newsletter contains announcements, events, funding opportunities, and resources on a variety of anti-trafficking and child labor topics. Sign up today!
Dignity of Work delivers specialized pre-employment and employment services to foreign national and domestic victims of human trafficking in six main locations across the across the United States. Learn more!
The COMPASS Program strengthens the coordination, collaboration, and capacity of the worldwide Catholic response to maritime trafficking, especially in its ministries at sea and ports. Learn more!
The Become a SHEPHERD Program educates community and religious leaders about human trafficking and the Church’s mission in combating it at local level. Learn more!
Are you a member of an immigrant community? Are you interested in learning how you can help your community or parish to combat human trafficking? Learn more!
Anti-Trafficking Blog
Learn more about USCCB/MRS Anti-Trafficking Programs
The Amistad Movement USCCB has found that immigrants are more vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking because many work in industries that are poorly regulated. The [...]
Breaking Through Misconceptions of Trafficking in Persons
We often assume that trafficking only impacts certain types of individuals, such as those living in abject poverty with little to no access to education. [...]
What is Human Trafficking?
What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking violates the sanctity, dignity, and fundamental rights of the human person. The United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and [...]
Being an Ethical Consumer: A Call for People of All Ages and Backgrounds
Living in the United States, I think many of us take for granted the ready accessibility of food resources. Supermarkets across the nation offer a [...]
Child Victims of Human Trafficking: Outcomes & Service Adaptation within the URM Program
In the United States, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) defines the crime of trafficking of persons and outlines the services and benefits available to [...]
Sex Trafficking of Minors: Know the Process, Look for the Signs
Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and its reauthorizations, in the U.S. no youth should be considered a “child prostitute”—minors (children under the age of [...]