Prayer Focus: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

“World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” is difficult to say—and even harder to fully grasp. Human trafficking is a devastating global crime that strips people of their dignity, freedom, and hope. 

Each year on 30 July, the world turns its attention to an industry that thrives in shadows— one that exploits the vulnerable, steals lives, and profits from suffering. 

From 2020 to 2023, official UN reports identified over 200,000 trafficking victims, but the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates the real number is closer to 28 million. That’s roughly equal to the number of people employed in the global media industry. 

This is no petty crime—it’s a vast and brutal business.

Forced labour alone generates $236 billion in illegal profits every single year, enriching those who prey on the most vulnerable through deception, coercion, and violence. 

Shockingly, 1 in 3 victims is a child, and women and girls account for 61 per cent of all trafficking victims, 

Poverty is a key driving factor. Desperate families often fall prey to false promises made by traffickers, only to face tragic and life-altering consequences. 

Trafficking looks like: 

• A teenage girl promised work, only to be forced into marriage. 

• A young woman expecting to clean homes, instead enslaved and stripped of dignity. 

• A boy made to break rocks in a quarry rather than go to school. 

• A family trapped in debt bondage, working endlessly to repay impossible loans. 

Hope through the local church

For our church partners, trafficking and forced labour aren’t distant issues—they’re part of a daily battle. That’s why child protection is an integral part of Compassion’s work. Our projects: 

• Address urgent needs to reduce family vulnerability. 

• Teach children their God-given rights and how to speak up for themselves. 

• Equip staff and volunteers to recognise and respond to abuse. 

• Provide safe spaces for healing through counselling, medical care, and community. 

To see how this is worked out in practice come and meet Doreen, a Compassion graduate who now runs a hostel to help girls escape trafficking and abuse. She’s living proof that transformation is possible. 

Join us in prayer – 30 July

Your support is helping to bring change, but your prayers are vital too.  

We can join our brothers and sisters across the world in praying for change on 30 July.

A prayer for those trapped by human trafficking 

Loving Father, 

We lift up those still caught in the grip of forced labour and exploitation. Be their light in the darkness. Let your presence be their comfort. 

For those who see no way out, may they feel Jesus beside them—strengthening their every step. 

Above all, we pray for miracles: that criminal networks would be broken and those enslaved would find freedom. 

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Prayer for those working to bring justice 

God of Justice, 

You hate oppression and cruelty. We cry out for those deceived, threatened, and trapped in labour that steals life and dignity. 

Raise up leaders who will protect the vulnerable and confront evil with courage. Give them clarity, perseverance, and strength. 

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.   

A prayer for those bringing healing and hope 

God of Love, 

Thank you that Jesus is both our Redeemer and our Friend. We praise you for survivors and those who walk beside them towards restoration. 

Strengthen those on the frontlines—social workers, pastors, counsellors, and Compassion staff. May they bring your hope in tangible, life-saving ways. Fill them with your wisdom and resilience. 

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you… the flames will not consume you.” — Isaiah 43:2–3a 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

The staff and volunteers at our projects know each and every child they serve. They invest in the child personally and relationally as mentors. Their support and attention mean children are less vulnerable to criminals who are soliciting, recruiting or abducting. 

We also help previously exploited children heal and recover. In addition to helping with legal resources, we work to restore a child’s overall well-being—physically, mentally and spiritually—through high-quality medical care, counselling and church-driven activities. 

We believe that child protection is central to God’s heart and we consider the love, care, and protection of children our top priorities.