Workshop organized in Ampati to sensitize stakeholders on child trafficking

On the occasion of World Day Against Human Trafficking, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) and South West Garo Hills District Administration, organized an awareness workshop titled “Prevention and Countering Child Trafficking 2.0 in 100 Border and Adjacent Districts of India” at the Multi-Facility Center of Ampati today. The campaign aims to raise awareness and strengthen efforts against child trafficking.

This workshop is a key part of the ongoing campaign “Combating Child Trafficking 2.0 in 100 Border and Adjacent Districts of India”, which runs from June 1 to July 30, 2024, on the occasion of the World Anti-Child Trafficking Day. human trafficking.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including law enforcement, child protection agencies, operational departments, community leaders and local residents, thereby fostering a collaborative environment to strengthen the fight against child trafficking.

In his welcome and keynote address, South West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Raymond ZD Shira highlighted 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.

Shira highlighted the district's continued 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-trafficking vehicle against human trafficking for the rescue of victims. He called for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to effectively combat and prevent child trafficking.

South West Garo Hills Police Commissioner Vikas Kumar highlighted the vulnerability of children, who often lack the discernment to recognize dangerous situations.

He highlighted the involvement of large unions in trafficking operations and highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in protecting children.

Kumar also stressed the importance of vigilance towards children studying away from home, as they are particularly susceptible to being trafficked. He reiterated that the fight against child trafficking is a shared duty and is not solely the responsibility of the police.

MSCPCR member Flabina Marak addressed the audience on the need for such programs to prevent and combat child trafficking.

She stressed the importance of strengthening family ties and collective support to avoid such incidents, which can devastate families and have serious consequences on 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 made an informative presentation on preventing and combating child trafficking, further raising awareness among the participants on identifying and addressing this critical issue.

Human trafficking is recognized as one of the most heinous crimes in the world. In India, the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) of the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that in 2020, as many as 3,23,170 people were reported missing, including 59,262 children (13,566 men, 45,687 women and nine transgender people).

Additionally, 1,714 cases of human trafficking were recorded, involving 4,709 victims (2,222 children and 2,487 adults). Authorities managed to rescue 4,680 victims and arrest 4,966 people in connection with these cases.