Prevention is a crucial aspect of combating human trafficking in India, as it aims to address the root causes and reduce the vulnerability of individuals to trafficking. Here are some key prevention methods that can be effective:
1. Awareness and Education
2. Strengthening Legislation and Law Enforcement
3. Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
4. Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Groups
5. Monitoring and Research
It is important to recognize that addressing human trafficking requires a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, law enforcement, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. By combining efforts for prevention, with effective law enforcement and victim support, it is possible to make significant progress in combating human trafficking in India.
Why Sunderbans?
The Sunderbans, located in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, is a region known for its unique mangrove forests and is home to a significant population living in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of this region to human trafficking and child marriages:
Geographical Factors: The Sunderbans is a complex and challenging geographical area with sharing international border with Bangladesh, dense forests, numerous islands, and difficult access. These factors can make it easier for traffickers to operate covertly and evade law enforcement.
Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities: Poverty is a significant contributing factor to vulnerability. The Sunderbans region faces economic challenges, limited job opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure. These conditions can lead individuals, especially women and children, to seek better prospects elsewhere, making them vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
Social Norms and Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted social norms and gender inequalities prevalent in certain communities can contribute to the vulnerability of women and girls. Traditional practices, patriarchal attitudes, and limited educational opportunities may perpetuate child marriages and hinder efforts to combat trafficking. Lack of Awareness and Education: Limited access to education and awareness about the dangers of trafficking and child marriages can make individuals more susceptible to exploitation. Lack of knowledge about their rights and the resources available to them can make it difficult for potential victims to seek help or protect themselves.
Inadequate Law Enforcement and Governance: Weak law enforcement, corruption, and limited resources can hinder efforts to combat trafficking effectively. Insufficient government intervention and inadequate support services for victims can further perpetuate these issues.
How?
Our Young girls are rooting for each other: In Sunderbans, a group of young girls, who are a part of our Swadheen Project, are looking out for other girls. They monitor or watch out for any suspicious activity, such as girls being absent from schools and the group meetings, strangers coming into the village with job offers or marriage proposals, girls showing signs of sadness or depression; if any of the aforementioned, seem perilous or suggest risk, the Police or SCPCR (State Commission for Protection of Child Rights) is informed right away for appropriate measures to be taken thereafter.
India has been recognized as a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, including child trafficking. The criminal networks involved in these activities can be powerful and dangerous. Additionally, some areas in India may have challenging security conditions, making rescue operations even more perilous.
When attempting to rescue a child from traffickers, it is crucial to involve the appropriate authorities and organizations that specialize in combating human trafficking. These organizations have experience, resources, and connections to coordinate rescue operations and provide the necessary support to the victim and their families.
To put a stop to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, especially in the form of Trafficking, we have initiated a Protection Programme which aims at protecting and rescuing women or children from the clutches of this social evil. With the help of Network Organisation, AHTU (Anti-Human Trafficking Unit) of different states, and the state police, we have been successfully conducting Rescue Operations, saving and pulling the victims out of the fire, so that they may resume living a normal life. Other than this, during the rescue operation, we take care of entire logistical expenses stakeholders reaching and departing from the operation site and keeping the child safe in child free environment.
We have done rescue operations from all the across the country. Post-rescue, we also keep a track of them, till they are not socially rehabilitated back in the main stream.
Rehabilitation of girl children affected by trafficking is a critical process aimed at restoring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as helping them reintegrate into society. Here are some necessary steps in the rehabilitation process:
Immediate Protection and Care: The first step is to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the rescued girl children. They should be provided with a safe and secure environment, access to medical care, and basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. Trauma-informed care should be provided to address any immediate physical or psychological needs.
Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment of the girl children's needs is crucial to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan. This assessment should consider their physical and mental health, educational needs, social support system, and any legal or documentation issues.
Mental Health Support: Trafficked children often experience severe psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. Access to specialized counseling, therapy, and psychosocial support services should be provided to address their mental health needs and facilitate healing.
Education and Skill Development: Ensuring access to quality education is vital for the long-term rehabilitation of trafficked children. Efforts should be made to enroll them in formal schooling or provide alternative education options. Additionally, skill development programs or vocational training can equip them with practical skills for future employment and self-sufficiency.
Legal Support and Protection: Trafficked children may face legal challenges related to their status, such as lack of identification documents or unresolved legal cases. Providing legal support, including assistance with documentation, legal representation, and advocacy for their rights, is essential to protect them from further exploitation and ensure their access to justice.
Family and Community Reintegration: Efforts should be made to reunite trafficked children with their families, where appropriate and safe. Family and community reintegration programs should focus on providing support and strengthening the capacity of families to care for the child effectively. Community awareness and sensitization initiatives can help reduce stigma and facilitate the reintegration process.
Long-term Support and Aftercare: The rehabilitation process does not end once the immediate needs are addressed. Ongoing support and aftercare services should be provided to ensure the sustained well-being of the girl children. This can include continued counseling, educational support, vocational guidance, and monitoring their progress as they transition into adulthood.
Providing shelter and basic amenities along with proper education and schooling. In addition to that, economic, psychological, and legal help is provided to them so that they can get back to the mainstream of society. Along with medical treatment, they are trained in different vocational crafts like sewing, embroidery, block-printing, making of fashionable bags, etc. so that in the future they can be independent. Dance, music, and art are used to provide psychological healing therapy. Jobs are also provided through different channels.
An Institutional care facility or The Home for child trafficking victims, aged 0-18, at Narendrapur near Kolkata sheltering about 50 girl children at one time. It gives refuge to girl children rescued from trafficking used in prostitution as well as girl children of women involved in prostitution and others. They receive all the educational, vocational, medical and psychological help.
Girl Child Rehabilitation Home (Tollygunge): A project, in Tollygunge, where children, who are victims of abuse and domestic violence (POCSO) are given shelter and basic amenities. Currently we have 25 girl children under Juvenile Justice Act at our Home. Children aged from 6-18 are given shelter and education and all the other necessities. There are 8 teachers for all subjects along with a dance teacher, drawing teacher, and a yoga teacher and computer training is given. Case workers assist in verification of certain cases of children.
Note: All the aforementioned projects are being currently run as per the guidelines of Juvenile Justice Act in collaboration with CWC (Child Welfare committee) and with extensive support from CPCR ( Child Protection and Child Rehabilitation) and DCPU ( District Child Protection Unit)
Crisis and Drop-in Centres
Rescue and Relief Foundation is expanding its Drop-in centre project which shelters and aids children of sex workers and also slum dwellers. It is not only limited to Khiddirpore now, but we have set up one at Boubazar as well. They are given assistance for education so that they remain out of the vice and lead a normal healthy life in the future, to prevent next generation prostitution. At present, we have around 200 children, and the expansion will allow reaching and catering to more such vulnerable children in need. All the children are sent to formal schooling from kindergarten to college. There are separate rooms for boys and girls. Here there is a facility for these children to study as well as a playroom so that they can sleep, get an education, and have fun during their stay. In this digitalized era, we are incorporating online workshops so that various educational institutes can assist us in the children's educational growth and development.
Need for Drop in Centre
Drop-in centers for children of sex workers in red light areas play a crucial role in providing support, protection, and opportunities for these vulnerable children. Here are some reasons highlighting the need for drop-in centers in such areas:
Safety and Protection: Red light areas can be environments with high risks, including violence, substance abuse, and exploitation. Drop-in centers offer a safe and secure space where children can escape these harmful environments and find temporary respite. They provide protection from physical and emotional harm, reducing the immediate risks these children face.
Access to Basic Needs: Children of sex workers often lack access to basic necessities like food, clothing, and healthcare. Drop-in centers can provide these essential services, ensuring that children have regular meals, clean clothes, and access to medical care. This helps address immediate health and well-being concerns.
Education and Skill Development: Drop-in centers can offer educational support, including non-formal education or bridge programs, for children who have not had the opportunity to attend school regularly. Access to education is crucial for breaking the cycle of intergenerational prostitution and providing these children with better long-term prospects. Additionally, skill development programs can equip them with practical skills for future employment and self-sufficiency.
Psycho-Social Support: Children of sex workers often experience various forms of trauma and face emotional and psychological challenges. Drop-in centers can provide counseling, psychosocial support, and recreational activities to address their emotional well-being, build resilience, and promote positive mental health.
Advocacy and Empowerment: Drop-in centers can act as advocates for children's rights and work to ensure that they have access to healthcare, education, and other entitlements. By empowering the children and encouraging their participation in decision-making processes, these centers can help them develop a sense of agency and build confidence.
Prevention of Trafficking and Exploitation: Drop-in centers can play a preventive role by identifying children at risk of trafficking and exploitation. Early intervention and support can help protect these children from falling into the same cycle as their parents. By providing a safe and supportive environment, drop-in centers reduce the vulnerability of children to various forms of abuse and exploitation.
Community Development: Drop-in centers can also contribute to the overall development of the red light area community. They can engage with sex workers, families, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about children's rights, promote health and hygiene practices, and foster a sense of community cohesion.
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