HAMBURG, N.Y. – The second largest criminal enterprise in the world, human trafficking is a major international human rights issue that will be addressed by several experts at a conference being held this month at Hilbert College.
“Slavery in Our Modern World: A Conference on Human Trafficking” will take place from 1-4 p.m. April 26 and also from 9 a.m.-noon April 27 in Hilbert’s William E. Swan Auditorium. The option is available to attend either conference day as the same material will be covered at both sessions.
The harsh realities of human trafficking, efforts in the fight against modern day slavery, and Western New York’s risk factors for human trafficking, including border crossings and access to large urban centers, will be discussed.
Featured speakers will include representatives from Shared Hope International, who will talk about the culture of tolerance for human trafficking in our society; Healing Action Network, who will discuss their work in restoring human trafficking victims to being productive members of society; and the International Institute of Buffalo, who will provide information on recognizing and reporting signs of potential human trafficking.
The conference, which is free and open to the public, is being co-sponsored by Hilbert and the Franciscan Federation. Advance registration is requested but not required to attend by contacting Sister Maryann Mueller at muellerm@felician.edu.