“The primary sources of trafficked individuals are states such as Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, while Nepal, Bangladesh, and emerging regions like Kenya are significant sources for cross-border trafficking,” says a recent study conducted by the NGO ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), titled “Sex Trafficking in Goa: Situation and Intervention (2019-2024) unveiling alarming trends of sex trafficking in Goa.

The study analyzed data from 75 rescue operations conducted by the Goa Police between June 2019 and July 2024, resulting in the rescue of 172 women and girls. Notably, it highlighted that nearly half of the rescued victims were aged between 18 and 25 years. The report also pointed out that many women were lured to Goa under false pretenses of employment in clubs, bars, and hotels, only to be coerced into commercial sex work. The increasing use of social media and online platforms has further facilitated traffickers’ operations by allowing them to maintain anonymity.

In response to these findings, an international consultation was jointly convened in Goa by the Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) and the NGO ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi) on 23 and 24 October 2024 bringing together civil society organizations, government representatives, and law enforcement officials.

The consultation was initiated with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, who underscored the necessity of a united front to tackle trafficking as an inter-state and international issue. He emphasized that effective combat against trafficking requires robust collaboration among law enforcement, policymakers, and civil society organizations. The Chief Minister’s commitment to transforming Goa into a safe haven for women and children was echoed throughout the discussions, highlighting the need for immediate care for victims and long-term support for their rehabilitation.

Caritas India actively participated in this consultation, showcasing its ‘Swaraksha’ Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) program, which operates primarily at the Indo-Nepal border. This initiative exemplifies best practices in combating human trafficking through a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, protection, and rehabilitation. Caritas India has established interception booths at key border points and engaged local communities to raise awareness about trafficking risks. These grassroots efforts empower communities to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations.

Moreover, Caritas India has facilitated cross-border dialogues with its partner organization Shakti Samuha in Nepal. This collaboration aims to create standardized operating procedures that ensure coordinated responses between India and Nepal. Such frameworks are crucial for effective rescue operations and victim rehabilitation. For instance, a home investigation conducted by Caritas India two years ago played a pivotal role in reuniting a trafficking survivor with her family after her rescue in Goa.

Caritas India’s commitment to this multifaceted approach aligns with global calls for stronger policy convergence to combat sex trafficking effectively. International participants from countries like Kenya and Bangladesh echoed this sentiment, advocating for unified efforts among governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations. They urged collaborative action among governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to strengthen anti-trafficking measures on a global scale.

During the discussions, representatives from various states shared their experiences and strategies for addressing trafficking. NGOs from Maharashtra and West Bengal highlighted their commitment to community vigilance and rehabilitation programs as essential components of their anti-trafficking efforts. They stressed that while legal prosecution of traffickers is vital, addressing the root causes of trafficking is equally important.

The discussions also featured insights from law enforcement officials who shared experiences regarding rescue operations. They emphasized the importance of follow-up support for rescued victims to prevent re-trafficking—a theme echoed by Caritas India’s representative during their presentation on post-rescue care initiatives.
The consultation concluded with a collective call for the formation of a National Core Group dedicated to ongoing coordination against inter-state trafficking. Caritas India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this initiative by leveraging its extensive network and expertise in anti-trafficking measures.