Refugees and Migration

Human trafficking in Canada has been identified as a common concern among several of the Canadian Council of Churches’ member churches, including The United Church of Canada. Human trafficking, according to the United Nations definition, involves recruiting, moving, harbouring, or receiving a person, using force or other coercive means, for the purpose of exploitation, including sexual or labour exploitation.

There are large numbers of missing Aboriginal women in Canada. "Stop Trafficking! Anti-Human Trafficking Newsletter" (November 2010) indicates that American Indian and Aboriginal Canadian women and girls are disproportionately targeted by traffickers and lured into prostitution. As well, women from Hong Kong, Korea, and other Asian countries are forcibly taken to Canada through the United States. Because they don't stay long (usually their visa is visitor status), it is difficult for Canadian police to identify the cases and numbers.

The United Church of Canada joins with other denominations in upholding God's vision of human dignity defended and deplores the situation of human trafficking.

Learn More Online

• Human Trafficking in Canada (Canadian Council of Churches)
  The United Church has participated in this working group since 2008. Learn more about the CCC’s awareness-building work on this issue, including a backgrounder, resources, and theological reflection.
• Human Trafficking Resources (PC(USA))
  Resources for recovering human dignity and right relationship created by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• REED: Resist Exploitation, Embrace Dignity
  This Vancouver-based organization stands in solidarity with women who have been sexually exploited and trafficked into the sex industry.
• Stop Trafficking! Anti-Human Trafficking Newsletter
  This U.S. newsletter, sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior, serves as a forum for exchange among religious organizations to promote awareness of human trafficking, exchange best practices in advocacy and action to counter human trafficking.

For more information, please contact:

• Maki Fushii
  Program Coordinator, Ethnic Minority Ministry and Leadership Development
  The United Church of Canada
  Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4129
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4129
  E-mail: Maki Fushii