Govt plans NCB-like body to check human trafficking
Himanshi Dhawan
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New Delhi:
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A national authority to combat trafficking along the lines of the Narcotics Control Bureau is on the anvil following initial consultations between the ministries of home affairs and women and child development.While there has been no firm decision on the exact framework of the agency , it is likely that the authority will act as an umbrella organisation addressing aspects of intelligence, investigation, rescue and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims.Human trafficking is under the jurisdiction of the CBI as of now. “We had discussions with the home ministry , NGOs working in the field and several states on the issue of trafficking. In principle, we have taken a decision to establish the agency specialising in trafficking,“ a senior WCD official said.
Recognising trafficking as an organised crime, the government also plans to establish anti-human trafficking units in all districts and issue revised guidelines to states.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UN ODC), human trafficking in South Asia is often referred to as one of the fastest growing transnational organised crimes. Over 1,50,000 people are trafficked within south Asia every year for sex work, labour, forced marriages, organ trade and it is often their economic state and conditions that contribute to the vulnerabilities of young people, women and children.
Countries in South Asia serve as prominent origin, transit and destination countries for women, children and men being trafficked. India acts both as a source and destination with women and children coerced from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to land up in middle-east and Africa.
Most of the trafficking takes place for commercial sexual exploitation where women are forced into unpro tected sexual acts with multiple partners. In addition, there has been a rise in demand for domestic helps at a time when human labour is becoming expensive. The recent case of two Nepalese women who were allegedly abused and exploited in a Saudi diplomat's Gurgaon residence is an instance of exploitation that caught the headlines.
The decision comes on the back of the Supreme Court directing the government to prepare a comprehensive action plan to tackle human trafficking. The case was filed by the NGO Prajwala.
Following the SC's intervention the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) submitted a report recommending that one unified agency should be created to address concerns.
Recognising trafficking as an organised crime, the government also plans to establish anti-human trafficking units in all districts and issue revised guidelines to states.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UN ODC), human trafficking in South Asia is often referred to as one of the fastest growing transnational organised crimes. Over 1,50,000 people are trafficked within south Asia every year for sex work, labour, forced marriages, organ trade and it is often their economic state and conditions that contribute to the vulnerabilities of young people, women and children.
Countries in South Asia serve as prominent origin, transit and destination countries for women, children and men being trafficked. India acts both as a source and destination with women and children coerced from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to land up in middle-east and Africa.
Most of the trafficking takes place for commercial sexual exploitation where women are forced into unpro tected sexual acts with multiple partners. In addition, there has been a rise in demand for domestic helps at a time when human labour is becoming expensive. The recent case of two Nepalese women who were allegedly abused and exploited in a Saudi diplomat's Gurgaon residence is an instance of exploitation that caught the headlines.
The decision comes on the back of the Supreme Court directing the government to prepare a comprehensive action plan to tackle human trafficking. The case was filed by the NGO Prajwala.
Following the SC's intervention the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) submitted a report recommending that one unified agency should be created to address concerns.
Source: Times of India, 6-10-2015
