District level sensitization programme on ‘campaign on combating child trafficking. at Phek town on August 3.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 3
Marking the World Day against Human Trafficking, a district level sensitization programme on ‘campaign on combating child trafficking’ took place at Phek town on August 3. It was organized by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) with State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and District Administration, Phek.
Phek Deputy Commissioner, Razouvolie Dozo delivered welcome address while Povezo Puro, District Child Protection Officer, Phek chaired the programme.
No reports of Inter-state, Inter-dist human trafficking cases
The Superintendent of Police, Phek Vesupra Kezo, talking on the topic ‘preventing child trafficking,’ stated that Phek district shares around 50 kms boundary with Myanmar which is porous.
There are three Coys of 38th Assam Rifles in the border to check illegal activities and also human trafficking. However, so far no cases have been detected or any person have arrested.
It may be mentioned that due to COVID-19 restriction and military rule in Myanmar there is no cross-border movements.
Police and administration are also on high vigil to curb any kind of human trafficking and cross-border illegal activities in the area, he said adding that there is also no reports of Inter-state and Inter-district human trafficking cases in the last two years
Preventing child trafficking
The SP Phek said that trafficking in human beings is one of the largest organized crimes in the world. ‘A victim of human trafficking is a victim of continuous and multiple crimes at all stages of trafficking. Victims of trafficking may be of any age or gender,’ he said
“Victims of trafficking suffer physically, psychologically and economically leading to huge physical and mental trauma to them,” Kezo said adding that the perpetrators of the crime of trafficking are usually organized crime networks working locally, regionally or internationally.
In case of children, one can report an incident of trafficking/file a complaint to CWC, CHILDLINE 1098/Women helpline 181/ Police Emergencies Response Support System 112, SCPCR/ One Stop Centre, Child Welfare Officer (CWO), child herself/himself, Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), CMPO in case of child marriage and Labour Inspector/Labour department.
In case of women, one can report to National Commission for Women (NCW), State Commission for Women (SCW), Women’s Cell in Police Station and women herself.
Steps taken by AHTU Phek
Kezo informed that the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) Phek has conducted several seminars with government agencies and NGOs on crimes against women and children.
It has conducted social media campaigns about cyber crimes and awareness programmes in schools and colleges on Child Rights and POCSO Act/ JJ Act.
It also initiated monthly sensitization programs on crime against Women and Children with OC’s and IO’s.
R Tochumong Chang, Addl SP Phek is the nodal officer of AHTU Phek. Other members includes; Jenmai Konyak, SDPO, Pfutsero, Disani Newmai, SDPO, Phek, Anuzo Chakhesang, OC PS Meluri, Vekhwutsu Veswuh, OC PS Pfutsero, Medosa Yoho, OC PS Chozuba, Lucy Doungel, OC WPS Phek/ OC PS Phek, Yefutso Rhakho, OC PS Khezhakeno and Seyielhouca Kehie, OC PS Chizami
1,714 cases of human trafficking in 2020 in India
Delivering keynote address, Kapil Sharma, consultant (Laws relating to Children), NCPCR from New Delhi said that a total of 1,714 cases of Human Trafficking registered in 2020 in India.
A total of 4,709 victims have been reported to be trafficked in which 2,222 children and 2,487 adults were trafficked. 4,680 victims have been rescued from clutches of traffickers and 4,966 persons were arrested in 1,714 cases of trafficking.
A total of 3,23,170 persons were reported missing in India in 2020 out of which, a total of 59,262 children (13,566 male, 45,687 female and 9 transgender) were reported missing in 2020, according Crime in India 2020, National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs
Child Rights in India
Sharma informed that several rights have been guaranteed to the children in the Constitution of India, which enables states to make special provisions for children.
“Government is committed to give children opportunities and facilities to develop in healthy atmosphere with required freedom and dignity, and ensure that their constitutional and legal rights are protected,” he said.
To fulfill this, commitment Commissions for Protection of Child Rights were established under CPCR Act, 2005. NCPCR was set-up in March, 2007, under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
Constitutional and legal mechanisms
He said that trafficking in human beings or persons is prohibited under the Constitution of India under Article 23 (1).
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) is the premier legislation for prevention of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
Criminal Law (amendment) Act 2013 has come into force wherein Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code has been substituted with Section 370 and 370A IPC which provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking including trafficking of children for exploitation in any form including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.
He informed that Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is a special law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Other specific legislations viz. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, apart from specific Sections in the IPC, e.g. Sections 372 and 373 deal with selling and buying of girls for the purpose of prostitution.
