29th July 2025 – On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Talitha Kum—the international network of sisters, allies, and partners founded in 2009 within the International Union of Superiors General (UISG)—has released its 2024 Annual Activities Report, now available online at https://www.talithakum.info/en/report2024/ (in English).

Last year, Talitha Kum reached 939,185 people worldwide, representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by the expansion of prevention programs, stronger partnerships, enhanced support for survivors, and more impactful advocacy. The network currently comprises 64 national networks across 108 countries, with significant growth in Africa and Oceania. In 2024, Talitha Kum recorded 6,043 members and collaborators, a 2.85% increase over the previous year. 

For the first time, Talitha Kum collected disaggregated data on women, girls, and children reached through its programs: 222,573 women and 204,044 children (girls and boys) were reached through prevention and awareness activities. 31,157 women and girls received direct care and survivor support. This specificity enables Talitha Kum to tailor its programs more effectively, ensuring they are responsive to the distinct vulnerabilities and needs of women, girls, and children—those most at risk of trafficking and exploitation.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Report

Expanded Survivor Support (Protection)
In 2024, 46,863 victim-survivors of human trafficking received direct support through Talitha Kum, marking a 19% increase. 
Services—including safe shelter, trauma-informed care, legal aid, and skills development—grew by 26%, particularly in Asia and the Americas. These services were primarily provided by Talitha Kum Sisters and collaborators, whose compassionate and long-term accompaniment embodies the network’s mission of walking alongside survivors with dignity and hope.

Uneven Trends Access to Justice (Prosecution)

Access to justice services saw a 26% overall decrease, particularly in Europe and Africa. However, positive progress was recorded in Asia, where effective legal support and advocacy partnerships led to promising outcomes. These regional variations highlight the urgent need to strengthen legal accompaniment and replicate successful practices in underserved areas.

Growth in Prevention and Networking

Prevention initiatives reached 690,356 people, an 11% increase, while networking activities involved 123,493 individuals, a remarkable 36% increase. These efforts were particularly impactful in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, underscoring Talitha Kum’s grassroots strength, interfaith collaboration, and multilevel engagement.

Stronger Advocacy Impact

Advocacy activities reached 78,473 people, expanding Talitha Kum’s presence in public forums across the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. Grounded in survivors’ voices and the lived experiences of communities, the network’s advocacy continues to enhance its role in policy dialogue and civil society platforms.

"2024 was also marked by the growing impact of armed conflicts in several African nations, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East. These crises displaced communities and increased risks for children and women, migrants and refugees. Despite these challenges, Talitha Kum expanded its support to victims and survivors. Our advocacy effort strengthened across every region. From Ghana to South Korea, and from Brazil to Ireland, Talitha Kum worked to influence public policy, drawing on the wisdom of survivors and local communities. The Youth Ambassadors Program continued to flourish, engaging young leaders who raise awareness both online and locally, mobilizing others to take action." declares Sister Abby Avelino, MM, coordinator of Talitha Kum International.

“This 2024 annual report presents the tireless efforts of the Talitha Kum network in eradicating human trafficking and the abuse of vulnerable people, particularly of women and children, through concrete actions rooted in faith and justice. The report outlines the implementation of the network’s strategic priorities and highlights its expansive reach made possible by the extraordinary dedication of religious sisters, their associates, and many collaborators working at the grassroots.” Declares Sister Oonah O’Shea, NDS – UISG President.

www.talithakum.info/

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking is increasing globally in nature. The phenomenon is complex and difficult to grasp because up-to-date and real data is almost impossible to come by. It is constantly evolving since it is intrinsically linked to emerging global trends, realities, inequalities and vulnerabilities. The latest UNODC Report highlights a sharp global increase in trafficking: a 25% rise in victims detected in 2022 compared to 2019. Cases of forced labour grew by 47%, and child victims increased by 31%, with a 38% rise among girls. These trends are linked to growing vulnerabilities from poverty, conflict, and the climate crisis. 22% of NGOs report that over one-third of the survivors they support have been trafficked more than once. 

According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024:  

• Women and girls still account for the majority of trafficking cases. 
• In many regions, the majority of trafficked persons are minors.
• The number of reported persons trafficked for forced labor has now exceeded those trafficked for sexual exploitation. 

These trends are based on the detected cases of human trafficking. The majority of people who suffer from human trafficking go undetected. To deepen your understanding on human trafficking, click here to read the definition agreed upon by Talitha Kum and its partners.