In April 2012, the Daughters of Charity in the United States and Canada--in keeping with our conviction regarding the dignity of each person--adopted a united stand in support of human rights and in opposition to human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Fully aware changes must be made and, in response to the plight of the migrant and modern slave, the Daughters created a new position within the Province of St. Louise—Coordinator of Provincial Response to Migrants and Issues of Modern Human Slavery. Sister Michelle Loisel, D.C., was the first Sister appointed this position.
Our mission is to protect the human rights and dignity of migrants fleeing poverty and violence and victims of modern day slavery through education, collaboration, communication and advocacy.
Leadership
Sister Michelle Loisel, D.C.: “I was a nurse for many years, serving in the Middle East, Africa, India, and Haiti, as well as in other war-torn countries. For seven years before being appointed to the Office of Migration and Modern Slavery, I served as Executive Director of Dawn’s Place, a safe, residential, and holistic program for American and International women who have been victims of sex trafficking. Even before working there, I already was an advocate for issues affecting the safety and wellbeing of women and children.”
Sister Mary Catherine Warehime, D.C.: “I am an educator by profession. After teaching young children for about 25 years, I served the Daughters of Charity as a Vocation Director and Provincial Councillor. I have always had a great love of children. Using my teaching experience and skills, I hope to be able to educate others about the dangers of predators taking advantage of the vulnerable.”
Corporate Stance on Immigration Advocacy
We, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States and Canada, embracing Biblical tradition and Catholic Social Teaching, commit to promoting policies and actions in our society that welcome, protect, promote and integrate immigrants. We will do this by:
- Educating ourselves and others by:
- learning about the issues faced by immigrants.
- offering opportunities for others to learn with us to increase empathy.
- drawing attention to root causes of immigration and the local issues in our communities.
- Acting with our legislators against unjust policies by advocating for:
- an immigration process that keeps families together and includes a path to citizenship.
- comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.
- due process for all immigrants.
- the protection of human rights for immigrants at the border, in detention and those living without legal documentation in the US.
- an increase in the number of persons allowed to immigrate each year.
- Collaborating with others to:
- combat racism and promote justice for immigrants.
- celebrate the cultural richness of immigrants.
- create networks which support immigrants through all stages of their process.
- seek opportunities to welcome, accompany and support immigrants using the resources we have to offer
- Praying in solidarity with immigrants.
Corporate Stance on Human Trafficking
We, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of the United States and Canada, believe in the sanctity of every human life and are committed to promoting the dignity of every human person. Therefore, we denounce all forms of trafficking in persons. Knowing that human trafficking today is a complex issue with many causes requiring multiple responses, we commit ourselves to:
- Pray consistently for an end to all forms of slavery, and for victims and perpetrators;
- Educate ourselves and others regarding the prevalence, causes, and solutions to the worldwide trafficking of human beings;
- Commit ourselves to encounter, as possible, those who are most vulnerable to being trafficked.
- Stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of human trafficking and be involved, as much as possible, in assisting them to recover and heal in mind, spirit and body;
- Advocate, in collaboration with others, for policies, initiatives and programs that work for prevention, education and advocacy with a goal of eliminating all modern forms of human trafficking;
- Exercise responsible consumer practices which foster human rights and prevention of human trafficking;
- Promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals for equitable development and elimination of extreme poverty world-wide.