Modern-day slavery has taken many forms in the past few decades. From the debt bondage to child slavery, forced marriage, domestic servitude, and forced labour.

Assam has recorded the highest numbers of women and child trafficking cases in the Northeast followed by Arunachal Pradesh.

Caritas India has teamed up with its diocesan partners in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to launch an initiative aiming towards stamping out modern-day slavery in these states. In the past, a pilot project was launched in 75 villages in 7 districts of Arunachal and Assam in October 2018 to reduce the issue of human trafficking.

The second phase of ‘Combating Human Trafficking in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh’ program will create diverse strategic components and better collaboration with various departments and law enforcement units to liberate and restore human dignity to the victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Anti-Human Trafficking program partners gathered on 28-29 November 2019 at Don Bosco Institute of Management, Assam for an orientation to take forward their proposed plan effectively.

It was not easy to convince the community and parents in the initial phase as they themselves had sent their minor as well as an adult to complement family needs with a menial job. The strive was also like an experimental sort of program with fresh staff. Not knowing where to begin, as the theme was new for the majority of them. But the team did not leave any stones unturned. The impact of phase I has created a platform for Phase II’s emergence, commencing from 1^st October 2019 and it will last till 30th September 2020.

The pilot phase has become the foundation for its human resources to inculcate the required skills for future endeavors. And this has proven the team and the community to envisage program beyond projects.

Positively the current need-based proposal and program continuation will equip the human resources one more step higher and sustain the goal through people’s initiatives. The team is set to walk beyond miles with dedication for the restoration of human dignity and worth. The second phase would be more action-based intervention with the community, govt authorities, other stakeholders and networks.

Caritas India facilitated the team to think beyond the box by giving partner wise activity, where they were asked to chalk out innovative activities that can be carried out with the women, youth and children. Partners came forward with a bunch of ideas to create awareness among the masses to prevent vulnerable people from being lured with false promises of a better life. They proposed to have:

1. Folklores of different communities will be used for creating awareness of different communities.
2. Wall paintings as it can educate illiterate or common people
3. Observe important events or days – example of “Orange day”
4. Set up a coaching center
5. Set up a good Counselling center
6. Kisan Mela –This is one of the means to link Rural to Urban, and an outlet for the food chain system, where communities’ needs are interdependent.
7. Youth fest
8. Home expo- to encourage home organic product.
9. Talent show for children
10. Street plays on different themes.
11. Awareness of migrants during festivals as other seasons they are out for work.
12. Train on legal literacy-Like filing FIR for VVCs and other existing groups.
13. Health camp in collaboration with the health department
14. Skill-based training for dropouts.

Partners also suggested having involvement and participation of local authorities for the smooth implementation of the programme. Series of networking, consultations, rallies, and campaign at the state and national level can bring more awareness not only for masses but for policymakers. Participants shared that the first phase has created a rapport building and awareness by forming groups at all vicinities and now a collective effort is required to combat human trafficking.