A meeting of various stakeholders, organized by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) and the district administration, was held today in Mawkyrwat to emphasise the importance of preventing and combating child trafficking in 100 bordering and adjoining districts of India.
South West Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner, L.T. Tariang who attended the programme as the chief guest expressed concern over the numerous cases of human trafficking, especially involving children in India.
He highlighted the heightened risk in border states like Meghalaya and urged stakeholders to work together to address this growing issue before it becomes widespread as drug trafficking and abuse.
Tariang stated that though reported cases of human trafficking in the state is low, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive. He stressed on the need for comprehensive data collection and analysis by relevant authorities to identify key indicators of child trafficking, noting that such crimes often intersect with other offenses against children, like those under the POCSO Act.
Assistant Director (Good Governance Cell), MATI, I. Warjri pointing out that human trafficking, often referred to as the “slavery of our time”, is the third-largest illegal business in the world, following drugs and arms trafficking.
She stressed that most victims are women and children, who are trafficked for various purposes including sexual slavery, forced labour etc and she also mentioned that poverty, lack of livelihood and education, and poor law enforcement are significant contributing factors. She also pointed out that child trafficking contributes to child marriage and other forms of exploitation and offenses against children.
The meeting underscored the importance of protecting child rights through legislation such as the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA).
It was highlighted that sensitising communities about the issue from the grassroots level is vital. Domestic violence was also noted as being directly correlated with human trafficking.
One practical initiative proposed was the creation of WhatsApp groups comprising various stakeholders, including village leaders, to form anti-trafficking cells for faster and more efficient information sharing. Adapting modern methods to combat trafficking is essential, especially as traffickers evolve and use new tactics in the digital age, including the misuse of artificial intelligence.
