Every year on February 8, communities around the world unite in prayer, reflection, and action for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

This Day coincides with the liturgical memory of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese nun who was kidnapped and enslaved as a child, and who later became the universal symbol of the Church's commitment to ending human trafficking.

We invite you to take part in local and international initiatives marking this Day.
Join us from February 4–8 for a Week of Mobilization and Prayer in Rome, culminating in the Angelus with Pope Leo at St. Peter’s Square—experience faith in action!

Theme of the Year

The theme for the 12th edition, “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” is inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s powerful reminder that true peace is gentle and humble, born of love, and sustained where human dignity is upheld.
Human trafficking is a global wound that denies human dignity and shatters the peace of communities everywhere.
This year, we renew our call to defend every person’s dignity and freedom, especially women, children, migrants, and all those at elevated risk of exploitation.

2026 Edition of the Vigil of Prayer Guide

In this edition, we share a Vigil of Prayer Guide as a resource as you prepare a prayer moment on February 8. You are invited to use and adapt the guide in ways that fit your local community—whether in a parish, school, community space, or at home.
We also invite you to visit the official website, where you will find the downloadable promotional materials that can be used and shared on your website, social media, newsletters, or notice boards, helping to raise awareness and encourage participation.

Download the Vigil of Prayer Guide and be part of this shared global moment of prayer. 

https://preghieracontrotratta.org/documents/2026 

Join us for the Vigil Prayer in Rome – February 5, 2026

As we prepare for the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on February 8, we invite you to begin this journey with us at the Vigil of Prayer in Rome on Wednesday February 5.
The vigil will take place at 5:30 PM at the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, gathering religious, young people and communities committed to justice, dignity, and freedom. At the same time, mirror vigils will be held across continents, uniting our voices and hopes in a shared global moment of prayer.

Online Pilgrimage of Prayer – February 6, 2026

On February 6, people around the world will join together in a global online prayer and awareness event against human trafficking; uniting our voices across every continent and time zone, from Oceania, Asia, and the Middle East to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The event will be live streamed in five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.
Stay tuned for more details, and join us in lifting our voices in hope, prayer, and solidarity for peace. 

United in Collaboration with Global Networks and Partner Organizations

This international Day is coordinated by Talitha Kum and promoted by the International Unions of Superiors General (UISG) and the Union of Superior Generals (USG), in collaboration with: Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Dicastery for Communication, Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, Caritas Internationalis, CoatNet, Focolare Movement, JRS, WUCWO, JPIC- Anti-Trafficking Working Group (USG/UISG), Clewer Initiative, Community Pope John XXIII, International Forum of Catholic Action, Italian Catholic Action, AGESCI, Santa Marta Group, USMI, Community of Sant’Egidio, and many other organizations worldwide.