Guwahati: Experts fear that there could be increasing instances of human trafficking once the lockdown, due to the Covid-19 situation, is lifted.
While human trafficking had witnessed subdued activity, particularly interstate trafficking, however at the same time, the interstate rescue operation has been adversely affected due to lockdown and mobility restriction. The fear is that human trafficking will spike after lockdown, and for which action plan is required for handling the situation.
In a recent symposium organised by United Christian Forum North East India (UCFNEI) in collaboration with Hope Charitable Foundation (HCF), on June 4th, the major Christian leaders of the region affirmed their commitment to fighting the menace of human trafficking.
In his welcome address, Rev W C Khongwir of the Presbyterian Church of India, (PCI), Meghalaya, mentioned the recent cases of trafficking from the North East to other parts of India, where young women were rescued by NGOs. He cautioned that care must be taken about agencies offering jobs and promises to the people.
According to Most Rev. Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil, the president of UCFNEI, “Human, trafficking has not decreased during the Covid pandemic but has increased, Covid has made our people poorer and it is the concern of Churches of North-East India. How can we be of help to our Churches, how shall we amplify our efforts in the context of various vulnerabilities like poverty, domestic violence, substance and unemployment. The solutions are not easy as the pandemic itself continues to be a nightmare. However, collective efforts can certainly address the issues of our people.”
Dr. Roger Gaikwad, the moderator of the symposium, brought to focus the instances of human tracking in Assam and other places of the region. Two papers were presented on the occasion, Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe, the join secretary of UCFNEI, gave a review of anti-human trafficking initiatives undertaken by UCFNEI in collaboration with HCF. He said, “We need to continue our efforts online and offline and thus strengthen the regional networks for prevention, rescue and rehabilitation.”
Sr. Rose Paite, the general councillor for social Apostolate of Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, presented a paper entitled, Responding to the menace of Human Trafficking in North East in the Midst of Covid Outbreak’. The highlights of the presentations were actual interventions carried out through the Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI). Human trafficking can be addressed through people’s movements and community involvement. She spoke about the concrete examples of the formation of ‘Mahila’ (women) groups, village vigilante committees and children’s clubs in increasing awareness among the people on human trafficking.
Sr. Rose stressed, “Domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable sections in the society who are not entitled to many of legal framework and security and thus a major group vulnerable for human trafficking. Most of domestic workers do not have any legal contract with their employers. This leaves them at the mercy of the employer who may choose to pay or deny paying during unpaid leave. Modern lifestyle, leisure and growing participation of women in the labor market has resulted in growth in demand and dependence on domestic workers in urban areas. Hence prevention of human trafficking is also promoting safe migration. Identifying potential migrants in the railway station and other transit points and ensuring safe migration is a must,” she concluded.
Responding to the issue of human trafficking in Northeast India, Dr. B. J Syiemlieh cautioned the participants about the new methods used by the traffickers. The pandemic is also creating a new group of victims. The traffickers are changing their strategies through social media platforms to further exploit women, youth and children. The vulnerabilities of the people in NE India, especially women and youth are at this time is a matter of serious concern. Typical features of lockdown situations; women and youth children being online, spending several hours a day online, parents being unemployed give the challenges of the pandemic.
According to Dr. Rini Ralte from Mizoram, “No state in North-East India is free from the menace of human trafficking. We can never stop our work to save our people,” she affirmed.
Allen Brooks, spokesperson of UCFNEI, was of the opinion that the concerted efforts by the society with the government departments need to be amplified. At this difficult time, as so many are suffering the consequences of Covid-19 and its accompanying economic fallout, it is crucial that combating human trafficking should remain a focus not only of the governments but also on the NGOs and Churches.”
Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad concluded the meeting and the benediction was pronounced by Dr. B. J. Syiemlieh.