Human Trafficking is a crime. It is a grave violation of Human Rights. It has emerged as the most heinous assault of the right to live a life of dignity. The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on 30th July from 2010 when the UN General Assembly adopted a global plan to combat trafficking and take action against this crime. It is also a day to remind us of the grim reality that 2.5 million people and 1.2 million children are victims of trafficking every year all over the world.
Despite the strides in technology and increase in the reporting of trafficking cases, thousands of cases go unreported. Human trafficking involves recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude, or the removal of organs. It results in sexual exploitation, forced labour, labour exploitation, forced child marriages, and the abuse of children in armed conflicts. Curbing human trafficking is an urgent need.
Poverty is the root cause behind Human Trafficking. Many parents sell their children or fall into the trap that selling will relieve them from the trap of chronic poverty. Due to the conventional social practices, women and girls become more vulnerable to trafficking. The porous nature of borders, corrupt government machinery, the involvement of international organized criminal networks and limited capacity to tolerate exodus and failure of the law enforcement officers to control borders are some of the other causes behind human trafficking.
Human trafficking is considered as the third most attractive illicit trade, after drugs and arms. Despite the constitutional provision against trafficking as a fundamental right, the incidence of trafficking in India as an organised crime is very high. Various ugly forms of trafficking have also emerged in the last few years including illegal adoptions, sale of organs and trafficking for marriage.
The crime is so large that the solution requires efforts from all sides. Policy gaps must be fulfilled. The law enforcement agencies have to present a stricter action so that it acts as a deterrent. The civil society, parents, teachers all have to extend a hand to achieve this cause. One should not forget the rehabilitation and vocational empowerment of the survivors. Sensitisation is the key. It is possible to end human trafficking with an active collaboration and effort by all sectors because the love for the freedom always exceeds the chains of slavery.
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