MISSION LETTER FOR THE AMBASSADOR 
OF THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF MALTA
 TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Rome, 20 July 2017

The double nature of the Sovereign Order of Malta as a religious lay-order and a sovereign subject of international law is at the basis of its diplomatic activity, focused on promotion of ethical and spiritual values, and charitable works in the medical, sanitary and humanitarian fields, and emergency situations.

The recognition of its status as a subject of international law by more than 100 States allow it to pursue its mission under favorable conditions, both within the framework of its bilateral relations as vis-à-vis international institutions.

In nearly a thousand years of dedicated service in favor of all those in need, regardless of race or religion, the Order of Malta has earned international, outstanding respect and esteem. At present it operates through 11 Priories, 48 national Associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 worldwide relief agency (« Malteser International ») and 33 national relief corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centers and specialist foundations in about 120 countries.

The Order continues to promote human dignity and to use its international status and diplomatic network to provide support in implementing humanitarian aid and to promote a sense of solidarity between nations, dialogue and mutual understanding among parties, and therefore a world of peace.

Human Trafficking

• More slaves today than ever in history
• Invisible (or unseen, intentionally or not)
• Everywhere in many forms:
  • Slave labor (Agriculture, Building, Domestic, Fisheries)
  • Sexual slavery, forced marriages, forced motherhood
  • Child labor, child soldiers, sale of children, child pornography
  • Forced organ transplants
  • Forced criminality

Role and Responsibilities

The appointment as Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to monitor and combat trafficking in persons represents an important and challenging commitment and entails the following aspects.

The Order of Malta is engaged in the fight against human trafficking for essential reasons: the issue is a priority for the Order and a key part of its global advocacy. This commitment flows directly from its double mission of defending the faith and serving the poor and the suffering. Combating trafficking is a contemporary expression of both pillars. 

Human trafficking is not only a social or legal problem but also a spiritual battle between human dignity and exploitation. Acting against it means defending the Order’s core values, charity, justice, and respect for every human person, and bearing witness to the dignity central to the faith. 

Victims of trafficking are among the most marginalized in our societies. Supporting them means protecting those deprived of freedom and dignity, especially women, children, vulnerable migrants, and the homeless. In doing so, the Order continues its historical mission of standing with and defending the weakest. 

This engagement is closely linked to ethical and spiritual values, humanitarian action, and the protection of human dignity. Because the Order is present in conflict zones, along migration routes, and in humanitarian crises where trafficking thrives, combating it is a natural extension of its work. 

The Order acts through its Ambassador at Large, who promotes global anti-trafficking efforts, and through its National Associations and Malteser International, which provide protection and assistance on the ground to refugees, displaced persons, migrants, victims of armed conflict and natural disasters, and people experiencing homelessness or precarity. 

The Sovereign Order of Malta has a role to play by strengthening cooperation with key stakeholders, in particular Governments, law enforcement authorities, experts, religious institutions, international and regional organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and victims and survivors themselves. By participating in and actively promoting these networks, the Order strengthens prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts and contributes to the development and implementation of effective anti-trafficking policies. 

The main tasks are:

• to submit ideas and proposals to contribute to the strategy of the Grand Magistry to combat trafficking in persons;
• to establish and enhance official contacts and fruitful cooperation with authorities and experts of countries, governments, religious authorities, international organizations, NGOs, research, academic and religious institutions who are in charge of and/or have experience and expertise in human trafficking;
• to periodically report to the Grand Magistry about these themes;
• to attend, on behalf of and in agreement with the Grand Magistry, the bilateral meetings and international events on these themes.

For the accomplishment of his mandate the Ambassador will establish a friendly, fruitful and synergetic cooperation with the diplomatic Missions of the Order as well as with other Ambassadors of the Order.

Statistics

Human trafficking is one of the most serious violations of human rights and the third most lucrative criminal activity in the world. Forced labour alone generates nearly $236 billion in illicit profits each year (ILO, 2025) and there are an estimated 50 million people in situations of modern slavery worldwide (ILO, IOM & Walk Free, 2022). Yet, despite the scale of the phenomenon, officially identified victims represent only a fraction of the estimated actual number, and the number of convictions of traffickers is declining globally (UNODC, 2023).