Publications | Jun 21, 2022

Our Commitment

In 2019, Catholic Schools NSW voluntarily opted in to comply with the reporting requirements introduced by the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (the Act) consistent with the Catholic Church’s overall commitment to prioritise and take a leading role in the eradication of modern slavery. Catholic Schools NSW is committed to contributing to the collective movement to rid the world of slavery. By voluntarily opting into the reporting requirements of the Act, Catholic Schools NSW seeks to promote awareness of the reality of Modern Slavery and to take practical steps to eradicate all forms of Modern Slavery from its business operations.

As an intrinsic part of our faith and our mission and values, Catholic Schools NSW is committed to respecting and valuing human rights, and has zero tolerance towards any form of modern slavery in our own operations or in our supply chains. Our Modern Slavery Statement aims to describe the work that we are doing to provide assurance that our operations and supply chains do not involve any instances of modern slavery.

The Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN)

ACAN supports Catholic Schools NSW and other Catholic entities to identify and manage modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. It also assists Catholic Schools NSW to report on these actions by preparing an annual Modern Slavery Statement as required by the Act.

Catholic Schools NSW has been a member of ACAN since 2019 and continues its participation today.

For more information, visit the ACAN website here.

St Josephine Bakhita

The 8th of February is the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita – the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

On this day Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and the people that volunteer and work to eradicate this crime.

PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

We pray for the victims of human trafficking that they may be brought to freedom and rebuild their lives after the traumatic experiences they have suffered.

We pray that St Josephine Bakhita, sold into slavery as a child, intercedes with God for those trapped in a state of slavery so that they will be released from the shackles of captivity.

We pray for all those who are dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking that they will have the courage and strength to reach out and overcome challenges.

We pray that by our actions as consumers we always reject as gravely wrong any goods or services tainted with slavery.

We pray for our governments that their laws will protect victims of human trafficking and reject goods and services from sources associated with slavery and forced labour.

We pray that the Church will continue to defend and free victims of human trafficking and be a source of love, hope and faith to bring the vulnerable and enslaved to find healing for their wounds. Amen.

St Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of Slavery Victims, Pray for Us.

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