Guwahati: An online conference for the teachers on aspects of human trafficking was held on 29th August. The initiative for the seminar was taken by UCFNEI (United Christian Forum North East India) in Collaboration with HCF (Hope Charitable Foundation).
The objective of the seminar was to create awareness among the teachers to prevent and combat human trafficking which is described as the modern form of slavery.
The chairman of the conference was Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil, the president of UCFNEI. Bishop Ichahak Muchahary from Bodo Evangelical Lutheran Church and A K Goldsmith, the honorary secretary of Assam Christian Forum (ACF) moderated the session.
After an invocation prayer by Dr. Solomon Rongpi the former Secretary CBCNEI and the senior pastor DBC, the welcome address was given by Rev. Abel Jacob and the presidential address was delivered by Bishop Thomas.
The resource persons were introduced by Sr.Prema SCC the vice president of Amrat Talitha Kum India.
Fr. Owen Chourappa SJ, Director (LCHR, Guwahati) in his paper presented the legal instruments available in India. He said that thousands of people have returned to North East India and human trafficking is a reality. COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability more than ever. There is an urgent need to protect children during these times.
“A red-alert campaign to prevent human trafficking is a must. As teachers, pastors, community leaders the classrooms, school programmes and pulpits must be used to enlighten our people about the dangers of human trafficking. The agents of trafficking need to be identified in our villages and towns,” he added.
Reni Jacob, a senior consultant from IJM, Chennai spoke at length the need to educate children from the onslaught of human trafficking. “There needs to be a convergence of structures and better coordination to arrest this menace on our people. Together we can fight this humanitarian issue,” he said.
Sumith Unny, senior manager, investigative solutions from IJM, Kolkotta spoke about the need to be vigilant on online platforms that are exposed to children. His presentation dealt with the dangers active on internet platforms. The online classes have given the exposure of children to dating sites and pornographic materials. Preventive mechanisms like privacy settings, healthy use of internet habits need to be introduced and taught. Citing the examples of pictures of children being used for blackmailing he invited the participants to be vigilant with the net habits of children.
The concluding statements were made by Fr. G. P. Amalraj, the deputy Secretary for education commission, NEIRBC. In his opinion, the cyber crimes will continue to rise in the coming days and for the teachers, there is a need to be with children as real mentors.
The benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. C. Khongwir from Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), Meghalaya.