Saint Nicholas and Human Trafficking Omega Article

Human Trafficking is a major occurrence in our world today. Pope Francis says it is a “crime against humanity.” Human Trafficking is the selling of humans for forced labor or work, debt bondage, domestic servitude, organ selling, sex trafficking, and child soldiers. Child slave labor happens frequently in companies that we least expect, such as Hershey’s, Nestle’s and Godiva chocolate. This inhumane act has been occurring for thousands of years, even dating back to the times of Saint Nick in 270 AD. Saint Nicholas was one of the first people to revolt against selling people to slavery. He saw something and he did something to stop it, one young girl at a time.  His individual action has had a lasting impact on the world. The story goes that there were three poor sisters. The father of the sisters had no money to pay for their dowries, so he was going to sell the three sisters to slavery. Hearing this news, Saint Nicholas went to their house in the middle of the night and left money on their porch. He did this three times to pay for the girls’ dowries. On the third day, when Saint Nicholas went to the sister’s house again, the father noticed Saint Nick’s kind actions. The father thanked Saint Nicholas continually for his generosity.

This story from Saint Nick shows what one person can do to address human trafficking; it is a gross injustice that still needs to be addressed each day. Human trafficking is an act that occurs all over the world, including the U.S. Globally, there are over 32 million people trafficked each year. More than 62 million people are displaced because of violence, oppression, or exploitation, including struggling migrants or refugees. Additionally, 39% of Americans trafficked are subject to forced labor, while 55% are subject to sexual exploitation, many of which are children. Children, both girls and boys, sometimes as young as six years old, are often targeted at malls, train stations, and fast food stations.

If you would like to join the St. Philip Neri Club to be that voice to raise awareness and help stop human trafficking, buying our slave-free chocolate would be greatly appreciated. Each bar costs $2. All of the net proceeds will be donated to help the rescued victims of human trafficking and raise awareness to stop this hideous crime. If you would like to donate or help aid with the cause, please contact [email protected]. Don’t forget when shopping, buy equal exchange or fair-trade chocolate.