07/30/2026
On July 30, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, CNEWA Canada is honoured to share a powerful first-hand reflection from our partners in Lebanon, who witness the devastating realities of human trafficking and accompany survivors with compassion, hope, and dignity.
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Through my work with Talitha K*m, I came to understand that human trafficking is not just something that happens in movies or distant countries. It is happening today in Lebanon, often unnoticed, affecting people searching for safety, work, or a better future. It is one of the world's fastest-growing crimes and among the gravest violations of human dignity.
In Lebanon, years of economic collapse, conflict, and displacement have left many families struggling to survive, creating opportunities for traffickers to exploit those desperate for work, shelter, or hope. Exploitation thrives in silence, but by recognizing the warning signs, challenging misconceptions, and standing with survivors, we can all make a difference.
Human trafficking is one of Lebanon's most hidden human rights issues. It extends far beyond kidnapping or cross-border crime to include forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced begging, and other forms of abuse. Traffickers use deception, threats, debt, and people's vulnerable circumstances to maintain control.
Those most at risk include refugees, migrant workers, women, children, and people living in poverty or without legal protection. False promises of employment, shelter, or financial security often become traps that are difficult to escape.
A common myth is that victims are always physically restrained or taken abroad. In reality, trafficking often happens within local communities. Victims are controlled through fear, financial dependence, threats, or confiscated identity documents, making escape incredibly difficult.
One story encountered through CNEWA/Pontifical Mission's work tells of a young woman who fled violence to work as a domestic worker. Instead, her passport was confiscated, she was isolated, underpaid, and threatened with deportation. After months of exploitation, she finally found help through a local support network. Human trafficking is rarely visible; it is most often hidden behind fear and manipulation.
Combating trafficking requires more than law enforcement. It demands public awareness, stronger protections, safe reporting mechanisms, and support for vulnerable communities before exploitation occurs.
"Through its partnership with Wells of Hope Network (Talitha K*m International), CNEWA/Pontifical Mission helps prevent trafficking, identify those at risk, and support survivors through awareness programs, counselling, referrals, psychosocial support, and vocational training that promote healing, independence, and safe employment.
Local Church partners are essential to this work. Trusted within their communities, they identify those at risk, raise awareness, connect survivors with support, and accompany them throughout recovery with compassion and dignity.
Recovery does not end when exploitation ends. By combining immediate protection with long-term support, CNEWA/Pontifical Mission and Wells of Hope Network help survivors rebuild their lives, reduce the risk of future exploitation, and restore hope."
(Darine Tawk is the Senior Programs Coordinator for CNEWA-Pontifical Mission in Beirut, Lebanon).
