CHILD/HUMAN TRAFFICKING

19 MARCH,2022
DHARAMSHALA, HIMACHAL PRADESH
BY-MOULSHREE KANDORIA

INTRODUCTION

According to UNICEF a child victim of trafficking is any person under 18 who

is recruited, transported, transferred, harboured or received for the purpose of
exploitation, either within or outside a country. Female children are trafficked
for marriage, sex-work, criminal activity, adoption and organ trade whereas
male children are trafficked mainly for labour and exploited as beggars.
Sometimes, trafficked children are also recruited into armed groups or for
criminal activity.

Initiatives to combat trafficking of Women and Children

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in an attempt to stop
the trafficking of women and children has undertaken a number of initiatives.
 National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking and Commercial Sexual
Exploitation of Women and Children 1998, was formulated with the aim of
mainstreaming and reintegrating victims of trafficking.
 Central Advisory Committee (CAB) was constituted to advise on methods and
tactic to address the problem.
Pre-rescue, Rescue and Post-rescue operations of child victims of trafficking
for the purpose of Commercial Sexual Exploitation protocol was published as
guidelines for all stakeholders
 The MWCD in collaboration with NIPCCD and UNICEF has developed three
manuals for 'Judicial Handbook on combating Trafficking of women and
Children for Commercial Sexual Exploitation; 'Manual for Medical Officers for
Dealing with Child Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation;
and 'Counselling services for Child survivors of trafficking'.
 The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a dedicated nodal Cell in the MHA for
the prevention of trafficking. The cell is responsible for providing state
governments with the necessary research, studies and information.
 The ministry organises workshops for NGOs on issues relating to the
trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation. A special module for
counsellors of trafficked victims has been formulated.
 Suggested amendment of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 to widen
its scope, focus on traffickers, human rights of victims and focus on proper
implementation.
 Training all stakeholders such as police, government officials, etc. to better
understand the situation and hence respond properly to suspicious activity or
person.
 The MWCD runs Shelter based homes Short Stay Homes, Swadhar Homes
for women in difficult circumstances
 Three pilot projects were implemented i)Pilot project to combat trafficking
women and children for commercial sexual exploitation under the sanction of
tradition ii) Pilot project to combat trafficking of women and children for
commercial, sexual exploitation in source areas and iii) Pilot project to combat
trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation in
destination areas. The projects are in the process of being converted into a
full scheme.
 With the Ministry of External Affairs, MWCD has endeavoured to create
special task forces to combat cross border trafficking.
 Tackle trafficking of women and girls by addressing issues of poverty,
illiteracy, lack of access to education and schools, lack of vocational skill and
employment opportunities, the prevalence of age-old evil practices like child
marriages, low status of women and girls in society etc.

2.Create an e-magazine highlighting the social cause

giving suggestions to address the challenge/issue.

The nature of human trafficking is that many are often lied to,

coerced, or forced into a life of slavery. Some are sold by
their family in exchange for money or basic necessities like
food or water. Many are tricked into thinking they are going to
a job interview or meeting a fiance in a new city. The nature
of human trafficking is abusive. Human trafficking is
happening every day, both locally, and globally. 
Sara* is only 13 and she has been sold into slavery by her
brother for $682 USD. A high price in Asia. She is drugged,
abused, and raped. When she fights back, she is tortured.
Moment by moment, her will is systematically torn from her.
Forcing her to be compliant to the abuse she faces every
single minute of her day. She is told that this is her job for the
rest of her life. With her voice stripped away, the decision has
been made for her. 
Stories like this are the true nature of sex trafficking. Women
and children are placed in situations where they are no longer
in control of their own life. They have no autonomy over their
choices, work, or even living space.  They have hope sucked
out of them, to diminish their will to fight back. 
Every single story we hear about another person who was
forced into slavery absolutely breaks us over and over again.
It’s why we choose to fight back and fight for girls like
Sara*. It’s why you should fight back too. 
Take some time to learn more about the Nature of Human
Trafficking. 
The Signs of Human Trafficking
Appearing Malnourished.
Inappropriately dressed for age or weather conditions. 
Showing signs of physical injury and abuse.
Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority
figures/law enforcement.
Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in
social interaction.
Lacking official identification documents.
Appearing destitute or lacking personal possessions.
Noticeably mismatched: Older men with younger women or
dress/appearance not consistent with each other.
How Traffickers Obtain Their Victims
Kidnapping or physical force.
Exploitation on the basis of debt or owing them money.
Sold to traffickers by a family member because they lack
basic necessities such as food and water. 
Psychological coercion including threats, and lies.
Online Grooming through social platforms.
Risk Factors Increasing Likelihood of Being Trafficked 
Recent migration or relocation
Government corruption
Drug and alcohol use
Runaway and homeless youth
Poor mental health
Children who are in the welfare system
The need to take care of others without the means to do so
(ex. single mothers)
Dangerous external threats such as natural disasters