Assam: Prevention of human trafficking is an issue that requires a multi-dimensional approach. It requires examining the factors that contribute to the problem as well as providing education to potential victims. Identifying the women who are at risk for trafficking and providing them with the tools necessary to find work without putting themselves at risk was the objective of the conference of Adivasi women conference, which was held on 24th of October.
The conference was organised by United Christian Forum North East India (UCFNEI), Hope Charitable Foundation (HCF) and North East Solidarity (NeS) under the chairmanship of Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil, the president of UCFNEI and was moderated by Sangeeta Tete , advisor, All Assam Asha Workers’ Association (AAAWA). The welcome address and invocation prayer was done Sr. Prema SCC. The opening and concluding hymn were presented by Koilamari, tea garden, Assam.
Recommendations by the conference.
- NEI as a region is used by the traffickers for a recruiting hub. It is an undeniable fact many are tricked to towns and villages with the intention of exploitation and abuse.
- Strategies aimed at preventing trafficking should be of paramount importance in NE-India.
- We appreciate the role of government agencies like the police who do law enforcement and act as deterrents in society. These State mechanisms do address the issue by using legal and administrative mechanisms. However, the service of women is much needed in combating the menace of human trafficking.
- There are women groups like AAAWA actively participating in multifarious activities especially in preventing the problem at the community level, protecting the vulnerable population.
- The women need to involve in several areas such as rescue of the trafficked victims, restorations, repatriation, reintegration, networking, awareness building, advocacy, training and capacity building.
- There is a need for government bodies and NGOs to take both a short-term and long-term approach to addressing human trafficking. Short-term actions include education and awareness-raising initiatives. Longer-term projects could include efforts in networking, training and technical cooperation projects for law enforcement and improving the social and economic position of vulnerable women.
The resource persons of the day were Pallabi Ghosh and Mary Sonia Besra from The Legal Cell for Human Rights (LCHR). The responses were provided by Sangeeta Hasda the woman coordinator from PAJHRA and by Jane Pio the principal, CNI School Tezpur.
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