Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta Order of Malta

Order of Malta

 

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European Anti-Trafficking Day, 18 October

15/10/2026 


On the occasion of European Anti-Trafficking Day, the Swiss Association of the Order of Malta expresses its deep concern at the steady spread of this scourge. A modern-day form of slavery, human trafficking is one of the gravest violations of human dignity. It challenges us all and calls us to act. We must identify and protect victims, prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people and communities, and support those who accompany survivors. We think in particular of religious communities in Switzerland and around the world, whose commitment is often quiet but essential.

According to international estimates, some 50 million people worldwide are affected by modern slavery today. Trafficking also exists in Switzerland, which is both a transit and a destination country. It takes place in private households, on construction sites and in prostitution.

The Swiss Association of the Order of Malta also wishes to express its support for its fellow citizen based in Geneva who, since 2017, has served as Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta against Trafficking in Persons. He champions this cause at the United Nations and works in many countries, in cooperation with the Order’s national associations and with religious congregations. His aim is to alert governments and civil society, and to mobilise human and financial resources for those who help victims.

From Zurich, Stéphanie von Walterskirchen, daughter of our former President, is also committed to supporting victims of sexual exploitation. She campaigns for the Nordic Model, which penalises buyers of sex and helps people leave prostitution.

More informations :

FEDPOL: https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/en/newnsb/oUCTESmRp6DIw1SmVQgkk

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE TIP REPORT: https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/switzerland

PLATEFORME TRAITE: https://platform-human-trafficking.ch/news/over-200-victims-of-human-trafficking-were-identified-in-switzerland-in-2024/

IOM/OIM: https://switzerland.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1366/files/documents/Infosheet%20Counter%20Trafficking_1.pdf

SWISSINFO: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/human-rights/human-trafficking-and-sexual-exploitation-are-rife-in-switzerland/91819793

Sovereign Order of Malta Switzerland

Secretariat General

Chemin des Grottes 8, 1700 Fribourg - Suisse

info@ordredemaltesuisse.org, Tel. +41 79 596 22 81