As part of the 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 the South West Garo Hills district administration conducted a sensitisation workshop titled “Prevention and Combating Child Trafficking 2.0 in 100 Bordering and Adjoining Districts of India” at the Multi Facility Centre, Ampati today. 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, South West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Raymond Z D Shira emphasised 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 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.
South West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar underscored the vulnerability of children, who often lack the discernment to recognise 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 emphasised 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 programmes 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 labour, and sex trafficking.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi Sangma delivered an informative presentation on preventing and combating child trafficking, further educating participants on identifying and addressing this critical issue.
Human trafficking is recognised as one of the most heinous crimes globally. In India, the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that in 2020, as many as 3,23,170 persons were reported missing, including 59,262 children (13,566 males, 45,687 females, and nine transgender individuals).
Additionally, 1,714 cases of human trafficking were registered, involving 4,709 victims (2,222 children and 2,487 adults). Authorities have successfully rescued 4,680 victims and arrested 4,966 individuals in connection with these cases.
