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The migration issue

A special Order of Malta diplomatic team focuses on the issue

Rome, 30 July 2018

The Sovereign Order of Malta is increasing its efforts against human trafficking through social services and humanitarian action conducted by its National Associations and its worldwide relief agency Malteser International, and through its diplomatic network. It has appointed two ambassadors tasked with combating human trafficking: Michel Veuthey in Geneva is Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and Romain de Villeneuve in Lagos is Ambassador at large for Africa.

The Order of Malta also calls attention to modern slavery in supply chains. “Bringing demand for slave labour into focus is absolutely necessary,” states Ambassador Veuthey. ‘Slave-free’ labels should be created for goods and services. Modern slavery exists in supply chains in all regions. With an estimated $150 billion of illicit profits a year it is one of the major challenges of today’s global economy, and unless real progress can be made, the goals of sustainable supply chains and sustainable development will ring hollow.”

Pope Francis has highlighted the concern

His Holiness Pope Francis, who repeatedly denounces this modern-day scourge and appeals for action, said in May: “Faced with the tragic reality of rising contemporary slavery, no-one can wash their hands of it without being, in some way, an accomplice to this crime against humanity. This immense task, which requires courage, patience and perseverance, demands a joint and global effort on the part of the different actors that make up society.” (Pope Francis to the participants of the 2nd International Forum on Modern Slavery, May 2018).