International consultation urges churches to lead advocacy against human trafficking, forced migration, and cybercrimes in Asia
Bangkok, Thailand: On the final day of the Christian Conference of Asia’s (CCA) International Consultation on “Combatting Forced Migration, Human Trafficking, and Cybercrimes in Asia,” church leaders, social justice activists, and advocates from across Asia shared powerful testimonies of grassroots efforts, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for church engagement in addressing human trafficking, forced migration and increasing cybercrime.
A panel session on “Experiences in Combatting Human Trafficking, Forced Migration and Cybercrime” featured voices from New Zealand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, showcasing diverse models of responses.
Drawing from her extensive work, Jimarie Snap T. Mabanta of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) recounted high-profile cases of Filipino migrants, urging churches to creatively reimagine their response to the crisis.
Ms Mabanta outlined NCCP’s multi-faceted engagement, combining acts of mercy and acts of justice. This includes pastoral care such as prayer vigils and visits to families in distress, direct assistance through medical, psychosocial, and educational support, and advocacy that creates space for migrants to speak for themselves. She highlighted the Council’s work in global ecumenical networks and multilateral platforms, stressing that at the heart of its work is a commitment to empowering migrants: “Nothing about migrants without migrants.”
Rev. Chris Frazer, Deacon for Social Justice in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand/Polynesia, shared how the Diocese of Wellington has prioritised migrant labour exploitation over the past nine years.
By collaborating with government, businesses, human rights groups, embassies, and civil society, the church has become an active partner in policy discussions. Rev. Frazer also highlighted grassroots engagement and underscored that all efforts must uphold human rights.
Deky Herbinson Lazarus Faah presented the ministry of ‘House of Hope’ in Kupang, Indonesia, a safe shelter for survivors of trafficking under the Evangelical Protestant Church of West Timor (GMIT). The project supports recovery and reintegration and serves as a replicable model for church-based safe houses. Through the programme, congregations have increased awareness of trafficking risks, maintain a registry of migrant workers, and provide initial assistance in reported cases.
Mr Lazarus Faah illustrated how a dedicated church working team receives operational support from the congregation and collaborates with external stakeholders. The House of Hope also functions as a learning hub for students and universities, enhancing broader awareness and sustainability.
Bishop Sameer Issac Khimla of the Diocese of Durgapur, Church of North India (CNI), described the diocese’s Anti-Human Trafficking Programme, which works through awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with local authorities, police, NGOs, religious leaders, political representatives, and local governments.
Bishop Khimla further explained about a cornerstone initiative, the St Michael’s Safe Home in Baldahura, Malda, which provides protection and rehabilitation for trafficked women and girls. Rehabilitation is linked to livelihood support for self-reliance, including training in bamboo crafts, spice making, tailoring, and computer skills, ensuring survivors regain dignity and economic independence.
Joanna Concepcion, Chairperson of Migrante International (Philippines), highlighted the organisation’s advocacy for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Migrante International provides temporary shelters, counselling, and free legal advice, while accompanying migrants through legal processes to hold perpetrators accountable. Its advocacy includes radio programmes, film and documentary screenings, fact-finding missions, and research. Migrante International also conducts regular dialogues with government agencies and maintains strong international solidarity with other migrant organisations. Its close collaboration with the NCCP was emphasised.
A Communiqué adopted at the end of the three-day international consultation urged churches to seek an active and decisive role in protecting and advocating for migrants and victims of human trafficking, as well as in combatting cybercrimes.
Recalling biblical and theological reflections affirming the dignity and rights of every human being and the values of the gospel affirming justice and compassion, the communique called on churches to conduct awareness building campaigns within congregations and local communities, develop ministries providing essential support such as psychosocial counselling, shelter, food, and transportation, and equip pastors and lay leaders with the skills to respond to all forms of trafficking and the systemic drivers of forced migration.
Churches were also urged to document migrants’ stories, mobilise trained volunteers, support survivor-led advocacy initiatives, forge interfaith alliances, and coordinate with government agencies and civil society to strengthen accountability and ensure access to justice.
The communiqué emphasised that faith communities must translate their theological commitment to compassion and justice into urgent, concrete, and collaborative action to uphold the dignity, rights, and protection of all migrants and victims of human trafficking and forced migration, as well as combating increasing cybercrime.
