18 October 2026 – European Anti-Trafficking Day
On the occasion of European Anti-Trafficking Day, the European Muslims League (EML) reaffirms its firm commitment to the protection of human dignity, the defence of fundamental rights, and the fight against all forms of human trafficking, exploitation, and modern slavery.
Human trafficking is not only a serious violation of international law. It is an offence against the moral and spiritual values that unite humanity, regardless of religion, nationality, or cultural background.
Women, children, migrants, and people experiencing social vulnerability remain particularly exposed to exploitation. Modern slavery is not a tragedy belonging to the past, but a reality that continues to threaten human freedom and dignity.
The Islamic Principle of Human Dignity
Islam places the dignity of every human being at the centre of its moral teachings.
The Holy Qur’an states:
“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam.”
Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra, 17:70.
This divine declaration reminds us that human dignity belongs to every person, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, nationality, or social condition.
Islamic teachings condemn oppression, coercion, injustice, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The protection of human life, freedom, and dignity represents a fundamental moral obligation.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also warned against the grave injustice of selling a free person and profiting from such an act, as reported in Sahih al-Bukhari.
For Muslims, therefore, combating human trafficking is not merely a humanitarian responsibility. It is also an expression of faith, justice, and respect for the rights bestowed upon every human being.
The Responsibility of Religious Communities
The European Muslims League believes that religious leaders, mosques, Islamic educational institutions, and community organizations can play a significant role in preventing exploitation.
Education, awareness, and solidarity are essential instruments in protecting vulnerable people, particularly women, children, and young migrants.
Muslim communities throughout Europe should contribute actively to identifying situations of vulnerability, supporting victims, and encouraging cooperation with competent public authorities.
Interreligious dialogue is equally important. Muslims, Christians, Jews, and followers of other religious traditions share a moral responsibility to defend those who suffer injustice.
A Call for International Cooperation
Human trafficking frequently operates across national borders and requires coordinated responses from governments, international organizations, judicial authorities, and civil society.
The European Muslims League supports efforts to strengthen European and international cooperation against trafficking, including initiatives aimed at victim protection, prevention, education, and the prosecution of criminal networks.
Special attention must be given to individuals exposed to exploitation through poverty, armed conflict, forced displacement, and unsafe migration routes.
Victims must be treated with dignity, compassion, and justice, never with discrimination or indifference.
A Message from the President of the European Muslims League
The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, stated:
“No human being was created to become the property of another. Human dignity is a gift from Almighty God, and protecting it is a responsibility shared by all humanity. The fight against human trafficking must unite religions, governments, and peoples beyond every political, cultural, and religious division.”
On this European Anti-Trafficking Day, the European Muslims League calls upon European institutions, governments, religious communities, and civil society to transform declarations of solidarity into concrete action.
Protecting the vulnerable, defending freedom, and opposing exploitation are essential foundations of a peaceful and just society.
European Muslims League (EML)
