![Fight Against Human Trafficking `Scourge` Led by Vatican Fight Against Human Trafficking `Scourge` Led by Vatican](https://www.medindia.net/afp/images/US-ASEAN-trafficking-women-250876.jpg)
Human trafficking is a broad term covering the sex trade in women and children, but also illegal immigration networks, sweatshops and forced domestic labour.
At the meeting, Francis said the church and police must work hand-in-hand to fight "this crime against humanity": the police to offer the "rigour of the law" and the clergy to provide "compassion".
The International Labour Organization estimates that trafficking generates $32 billion (23 billion euros) a year in revenue and involves 2.4 million people.
Francis frequently refers to human trafficking as a "scourge" of the 21st century. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he also took part in initiatives to get women out of prostitution.
Conference attendees said that by working with the church, police forces can help victims -- especially those caught up in sex work -- break through feelings of shame and see themselves as victims.
Advertisement
Police chiefs from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe attended, including from countries where human trafficking has been a particular problem like Albania, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand.
Advertisement
Source-AFP