By Katie Vasquez
Human trafficking advocates are warning that the FIFA World Cup, one of the largest sporting events in the world, could create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The tournament is expected to draw 6.5 million visitors from around the globe for more than 100 matches over five weeks. While the event celebrates international competition and unity, experts say large-scale sporting events can also increase the risk of human trafficking.
“Unfortunately, one of the evil byproducts that occurred during this awesome event where you see countries come together,” said James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference.
Concerns stem from past major sporting events. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office reported that 73 victims were recovered and 29 traffickers were arrested in Santa Clara, California, during this year’s Super Bowl, a single-day event.
“It’s naive for us to think that an influx of tourism and an influx of traffic on the road would not create, you know, a demand,” said Felicitas Brugo Onetti, anti-trafficking education outreach coordinator for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. Advocates point to issues that emerged during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Migrants from a bunch of different countries in Asia going to Qatar for promises of a job,” Brugo Onetti said.
Faith-based organizations, including the New Jersey Catholic Conference and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, are working to educate the public about the issue. The groups recently hosted a webinar and continue to partner with nonprofit organizations that work directly with trafficking victims.
King said some organizations distribute bars of soap to hotels with wrappers containing the human trafficking hotline number.
“They do that because they know victims of human trafficking often are in these hotels,” he said.
Experts encourage the public to remain alert for suspicious activity and to contact law enforcement or event staff if concerns arise. They stress that individuals should never approach suspected victims or traffickers directly.
Leaders from the New Jersey Catholic Conference and the USCCB say Catholics have a particular responsibility to respond to the issue.
“We have this call. Francis, the Holy Father, really talked about the sin of human trafficking,” Brugo Onetti said. “The sin of human trafficking is an open wound on the body of Christ. And we’re all called to combat it.”
King said the Church views trafficking as a violation of human dignity.
“We look at human trafficking as an assault on the dignity of the person,” he said. “They are a child of God and they are due that protection.”
The organizations say they will continue raising awareness about human trafficking and plan to hold additional webinars ahead of future major sporting events.