Ampati, June 20, 2024: As part of the World Day Against Human Trafficking, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR).
The District Administration of South West Garo Hills, conducted a sensitization workshop titled “Prevention and Combating Child Trafficking 2.0 in 100 Bordering and Adjoining Districts of India” at the Multi Facility Centre, Ampati, on Thursday. The campaign aims to heighten awareness and bolster efforts against child trafficking.
This workshop is a key component of the ongoing campaign “Combating Child Trafficking 2.0 in 100 Border and Adjoining Districts of India,” which runs from June 1 to July 30, 2024, in observance of World Day Against Human Trafficking.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including law enforcement, child protection agencies, line departments, community leaders, and local residents, fostering a collaborative environment to strengthen the fight against child trafficking.
In his welcome address and opening remarks, Additional Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Raymond Z D Shira, MCS, emphasized the critical nature of the event, noting, “South West Garo Hills shares borders with Bangladesh and Assam, making it crucial to discuss strategies to combat child trafficking with all stakeholders.
Similar programs are being observed in all districts sharing international borders.” Shira highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to combat trafficking, including the operation of an anti-human trafficking unit by the police department under the Superintendent of Police and the deployment of a special anti-human trafficking vehicle for victim rescues. He called for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to effectively address and prevent child trafficking.
Superintendent of Police of South West Garo Hills, Vikas Kumar, IPS, underscored the vulnerability of children, who often lack the discernment to recognize dangerous situations. He pointed out the involvement of large syndicates in trafficking operations and stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard children.
Kumar also emphasized the importance of vigilance towards children studying away from home, as they are particularly susceptible to trafficking. He reiterated that combating child trafficking is a shared duty, not solely the responsibility of the police.
Flabina Marak, a member of MSCPCR, addressed the audience on the necessity of such programs to prevent and combat child trafficking. She highlighted the importance of strengthening family bonds and collective support to avert such incidents, which can devastate families and severely impact the mental health of victims. Marak noted that children are trafficked for various purposes, including organ trade, bonded labor, and sex trafficking.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi Sangma, MPS, delivered an informative presentation on preventing and combating child trafficking, further educating participants on identifying and addressing this critical issue.
Human trafficking is recognized as one of the most heinous crimes globally. According to the U.S. Department of State’s June 2019 TIP report, approximately 25 million adults and children worldwide suffer from labor and sex trafficking.
The 2018 Global TIP report indicates that children constitute 30% of trafficked persons, with girls accounting for 23% and boys 7%. India remains in Tier-2 on the country trafficking scale as per the U.S. State Department’s June 2023 TIP report.
In India, the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that in 2020, 3,23,170 persons were reported missing, including 59,262 children (13,566 males, 45,687 females, and 9 transgender individuals).
Additionally, 1,714 cases of human trafficking were registered, involving 4,709 victims (2,222 children and 2,487 adults). Authorities successfully rescued 4,680 victims and arrested 4,966 individuals in connection with these cases.
