The work of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) to prevent and address human trafficking in Australia and the Pacific Region has been highlighted in a global forum.
ACRATH’s national executive officer, Sr Sarah Puls, joined a panel of advocates at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne last week, sharing ACRATH’s 20 years of experience working to end human trafficking.
The conference brought together faith leaders, practitioners, funders and advocates working to end violence against women and girls.
The panel discussed the theme “Strengthening collective action: faith, justice and working to end human trafficking in the Oceanic Pacific”.
Panel speakers with Sr Sarah included Sr Abby Avelino (Talitha Kum), Sr Margaret Ng (Josephite Counter Trafficking Project and ACRATH co-rounder), Erin Kenny (Spotlight Initiative Global Coordinator), Lemau Pala’amo (Soul Talk Samoa, Congregational Christian Church Samoa), and Sr Jane Wakahiu (Conrad N. Hilton Foundation).
The discussion highlighted the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between faith-based initiatives, civil society organisations and government bodies to better prevent and respond to human trafficking.
Sr Sarah said the session reinforced the importance of collective action within communities.
“We all have gifts that we can bring to the work of ending human trafficking and the harm it causes, and faith communities have a particular role to play because they have existing relationships of trust that can be empowered and utilised to end human trafficking”, Sr Sarah said.
“Our work must be grounded in trust and utilise culturally appropriate and victim/survivor-centred responses.”
Sr Sarah said ending trafficking would require strong networks and shared learning.
“An example of this is the ACRATH Pacific Connection Project, focused on raising awareness and strengthening capacity through culturally relevant approaches,” she said.
“This initiative centres collaborative, local leadership as essential to shape effective and sustainable responses.”
As the Australian network of Talitha Kum, ACRATH welcomed the opportunity to connect with Sr Abby, Talitha Kum international coordinator.
Sr Abby concurred with Sr Sarah’s statement that no single organisation can end trafficking.
“We cannot do it alone. We need to work together to address human trafficking. We need to accompany women survivors to rise up,” Sr Abby said.
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Anti-trafficking faith led networks strengthen at Women Deliver 2026 (ACRATH)
