My dear brothers and  sisters in Christ.

Just this week an UNICEF report says that about 800,000 children have been forced from their homes in northeast Nigeria by the Boko Haram uprising and subjected to abuse and forced marriage.The Barcelona conference is thus a timely reminder that human trafficking is probably the biggest yet understated evil confronting society today. For a lot of uninformed people living comfortable lives in a safe country this is just another statistic and has “nothing to do with me”. I thank God that there are people like you who care because there are few who would speak up for the victims of these atrocities.

I first experienced the existent of human trafficking on a mission trip to an Indochina country where I encountered a case of child prostitution. I did not realise then the enormity of the problem (which is conservatively estimated to affect about 20 million people annually). Subsequently I learnt that trafficking exists in every country from the poor developing nations to the most developed country albeit in different forms.

In talking to many people, I am faced with either ignorance or a profound sense of haplessness over what we as individuals or even oganisations can do to help he victims of what has been described as modern day slavery. I believe from personal experience that here is much we can achieve as individuals, organisations and as a Church. The universality of the Catholic Church gives us the necessary framework and infrastructure to implement solutions. The first step is to create awareness of the horrors of human trade. The Church should focus on the prevention and rehabilitation of affected individuals rather than emphasize on enacting global legislation to eradicate global legislation to eradicate human trafficking.

On behalf of FIAMC, I would like to congratulate the organisers of this conference for creating more awareness of this scourge which is afflicting modern day society and for being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. No act is too small or meaningless. We can change the world by restoring the dignity to one violated individual at a time.

In conclusion I would like to assure all the participants of the prayers and solidarity of the international fraternity of Catholic doctors. God alone is your reward for He said in Matt 25:40 “Whatever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, you do to me”. May God bless all of you.

Yours in Christ,

Dr John Lee

President

FIAMC