Leo van Doesburg

Trafficking in human beings constitutes a grave violation of individual rights, freedom and dignity as well as being a serious form of crime. The implications of this phenomenon are beyond what individual countries can address on their own. [1] It is this compelling reality that first led to the development of EU policy on combating trafficking in human beings. Read here the background information (By Anca de Jong Bulica for the ECPM)

The European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) welcomes the 8th EU Anti-trafficking Day aimed at raising awareness of one of the most serious forms of violation of human rights and dignity of our times. Trafficking in human beings is modern day slavery and a complex form of transnational crime which can only be combated if states work together to eradicate the problem. The ECPM calls on member states which have not already done so to implement the EU Directive on combating human trafficking and cooperate with international actors in addressing this serious phenomenon.

On the 25th of September, the Romanian National Prayer Breakfast took place in the monastry of Putna. The theme of the Breakfast and the debate that followed was: "State and Church: a common mission for peace and reconciliation. The participants were parliamentarians and other politicians, business leaders, professors, clergy from different church denominations and representatives of NGOs. During the Prayer Breakfast I read two Biblical passages: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (reconciliation man with God) and Psalm 85:9-14 (reconciliation brings peace and righteousness). I finished with the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Make me an instrument of your Peace). During the debate that followed the Prayer Breakfast, I discussed deeper about the theme where talked first about the role of the church and then the role of the state to promote peace and reconciliation also reflecting the Biblical passage I read during the breakfast. On request of some participants, you can find the te...