July 30th is “World Day against Trafficking in Persons”, also known as Human Trafficking Day. It's a day to raise awareness about the serious issue of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Like every year, this time also meetings and conferences were held in many countries. Especially social and voluntary organizations working on the issue of human trafficking have taken the initiative. All these programs are meant to raise awareness but are not showing the desired results in curbing human trafficking.
Women and Children are the most vulnerable
Trafficking of women and children is rampant, especially in developing countries like India. Despite strict laws, the police force is failing to arrest this mafia.
As per recent data, India ranked 53 among the 167 countries in the index. The Government of India does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period; therefore India remained on Tier 2.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or commercial sex. It's a global problem affecting millions of people, including children, women, and men.
“The Kerala Story” sparks debate on “Women Missing”
Cases of human trafficking are reported in many states. However, due to “The Kerala Story” Movie, there was a nationwide debate on the cases of missing women.
The Malayalam movie "Kerala Story" (2023) is based on the true story of a human trafficking racket that operated in Kerala, India. The film's narrative is inspired by the real-life experiences of several women who were trafficked and forced into prostitution.
The story revolves around a young woman from Kerala who is lured into a human trafficking ring with promises of a better life. She is then forced into prostitution and faces immense physical and emotional trauma. As the story unfolds, the film exposes the dark underbelly of human trafficking in Kerala, highlighting the involvement of organized crime syndicates, corrupt officials, and the exploitation of vulnerable women. The movie also delves into the challenges faced by the victims in seeking justice and the apathy of society towards their plight.
"The Kerala Story" aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and its devastating consequences, sparking a conversation about the need for stronger laws and greater support for survivors. This movie is based on a true story, but some elements may be fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Organizations and individuals come together
Remember, every person deserves freedom and dignity. Together, we can make a difference and combat human trafficking.
Raise awareness about human trafficking
Support survivors of human trafficking
Advocate for policies and laws to prevent trafficking
Collaborate with law enforcement to combat trafficking
India has enacted several laws and mechanisms
Although there are many laws in our country, due to the detachment of the police and judicial system to implement them, the victims are not getting prompt justice. Trafficking in Human Beings or Persons is prohibited under the Constitution of India under Article 23 (1). The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) is the premier legislation for prevention of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
What the Laws say?
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956: Prevents and suppresses commercial sexual exploitation.
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Prohibits forced labour.
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: Regulates child labour.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Protects children from trafficking.
Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018: This bill aims to provide for the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, as well as the prosecution of offenders.
Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2022: Comprehensive legislation to prevent and combat human trafficking.
Provisions in New Criminal Laws
New Legislation: The Human Trafficking (Prevention and Control) Act, 2023, is a new legislation that aims to prevent and control human trafficking in India.
Organized Crime: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) introduces "organized crime" as an offense, which includes human trafficking for prostitution or ransom.
Punishments: The BNS provides punishments for various offenses associated with organized crime, including human trafficking. For instance, holding property obtained from organized crime is punishable by imprisonment for three years to life.
Victim-Centered Approach: Stakeholders have emphasized the need for a comprehensive victim-centered legislative approach to counter human trafficking, including measures such as ending impunity, identifying offenders, strengthening national coordination and international cooperation, and integrating additional standards.
Legislative Provisions: Participants in a multi-stakeholder consultation on existing anti-trafficking laws and policies highlighted the need for legislative provisions to reflect a spirit of inclusiveness and promote a victim-centered approach.
Implementation mechanisms
National Anti-Trafficking Bureau: Coordinates anti-trafficking efforts.
State Anti-Trafficking Cells: Implement anti-trafficking laws and policies.
District Anti-Trafficking Committees: Monitor and report trafficking cases.
Police and Law Enforcement Agencies: Investigate and prosecute trafficking cases.
NGOs and Civil Society Organizations: Provide support, rehabilitation, and advocacy.
National Human Rights Commission: Monitors and reports on human trafficking.
State Human Rights Commissions: Investigate and report on trafficking cases.
What are the challenges?
Lack of effective implementation
Corruption
Limited resources
Insufficient awareness
Data collection and sharing
To strengthen implementation, India needs to..
Enhance inter-agency coordination
Increase funding and resources
Improve data collection and sharing
Raise awareness and sensitization
Strengthen law enforcement and judicial response
By addressing these challenges and strengthening implementation mechanisms, India can effectively combat human trafficking.