In addition to providing psychosocial, economic, and legal support to rescued victims of human trafficking, Caritas Nigeria also joins the Universal Church to pray on designated days for trafficked persons.
Commemorated annually on 8th February, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking is set aside to raise awareness of the activities of human traffickers, pray for healing for victims and survivors of this human crime, as well as a total conversion of perpetrators. The event is also marked alongside the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese-Italian woman who was trafficked at the age of nine, regained her freedom after several years of abuse, joined a religious order thereafter, and committed to caring for the needy.
In line with its efforts aimed at combatting human trafficking in the nation, Caritas Nigeria observed the day with a sensitization activity at Aduwawa Secondary School, Benin City and prayers for victims of forced labour and abuse. Joining the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Benin City and the Committee for the Support of Dignity of Women (COSUDOW), Caritas Nigeria enlightened over two hundred (200) students on the life of St. Bakhita, the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration, and effective anti-human trafficking measures. The participatory event had the students reiterating their commitment to education and activities that will not jeopardize their future.