In September 2018, the network "A Cry for Life" was launched in Cuiabá. Since then we have carried out some activities and have grown together as a team. Gradually, other people join our group. Our discussions take place on a monthly basis.
This network is an inter-congregational project and is coordinated by the Brazilian Religious Conference. More than 250 Religious and Lay People work in this project, which operates in 23 federal states. It is affiliated to the international network of Religious "Talita kum".
The network regards human trafficking as a serious violation of human rights, an attack on human dignity, a crime that destroys freedom, treats people as goods/objects and kills lives.
One of our activities was on 20 November on the so-called "Day of Self-Confidence of Blacks” ("Dia da Consciencia Negra"). Various tents have been organised to draw attention to problems because, for example, the majority of women who fall victim to human trafficking are black and poor. Our group also organized a tent, which was well visited. It was a way of making the population aware of the seriousness of human trafficking, a criminal form of slavery in the 21st century.
In our work, we are also in partnership with the grassroots communities (CEBs), the Centre for Biblical Studies (CEBI) and the Councils for the human rights at the state and district level.
Our mission is: to make people aware of this issue, to make it operational and to inform them about this topic; to train potential trainers; form partnerships; report offences; to fight for a public policy that combats human trafficking, sexual exploitation, the sale of organs, illegal adoption and begging.
The inspiration for our mission comes from the life example of Jesus of Nazareth and from the founding charism of the congregation. We firmly believe that "another world is possible". We want to give our contribution to make this a reality.
(Schwester Cleofa Marlisa Flach, Cuiabá)