We are a catalyst to bring systemic change to end human trafficking by bringing together leaders from civil society, law enforcement, business, faiths and communities.

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Salford Event: St. Josephine Bakhita Day

08 February 2023 Salford
For every enslaved person to return to being a free agent of his or her own life and to take an active part in the construction of the common good.
Pope Francis

The Santa Marta Group is an anti-trafficking charity that aims to act as a catalyst for law enforcement, civil society and the Church to work together to combat this global crime. The alliance was launched in 2014, supported by Pope Francis and named after his residence, Santa Marta, in which the group stayed. At that first meeting, Pope Francis described human trafficking as “an open wound on the body of contemporary society; a crime against humanity.”

The Santa Marta Group seeks to “Identify, Inspire, Initiate” so that Church actors, law enforcement and civil society groups can collaborate more effectively to combat the sources of human trafficking.

Relationships are at the heart of this endeavour. By building trust between partners, Santa Marta develops creative and effective strategies to reduce demand, counter criminal networks and make communities more resilient.

The enslavement of more than 50 million people worldwide is a crime against humanity conducted by international criminal networks.

Disrupting criminal networks and abolishing slavery therefore requires a systemic approach, taking account of local circumstances whilst also addressing global issues from corporate responsibility to engagement with international legal frameworks.

The Santa Marta Group was born of a conviction that bringing decision-makers together, building partnerships and co-operation between civil society, governments, law enforcement agencies, and the Church, can make a significant contribution towards the abolition of slavery.

As we continue to develop this mission, with the leadership of Cardinal Vincent Nichols and partners, the Santa Marta Group’s vision is to work, together with others, towards the abolition of slavery.

Law enforcement leaders pledge to work together

Police chiefs from around the world made a declaration of commitment in the fight to bring an end to human trafficking and slavery.

Signing of the Human Trafficking Agreement Santa Marta Commitment

Follow @santamartagroup for the latest insights and how we are combatting human trafficking

Africa Regional Conference of SMG held online on the 16th & 17th of March 2023. Discussions on #organtrafficking resulting in loss of life of #children. An important issue for the @coe to implement the Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs https://t.co/DupeitOULx. https://t.co/SGQteo2Q6o
Smg
Santa Marta Group Mar 21, 2023, 10:03 AM
Archbishop Grusas, Archbishop of Vilnius, told the SMG conference that Vilnius is known as the City of Mercy. "There is a great need for works of mercy: one of which is the work against human trafficking."
Smg
Santa Marta Group Feb 28, 2023, 10:02 AM

Salford Event: St. Josephine Bakhita Day

08 February 2023 Salford