“With or without Covid, the tea garden workers are at their most vulnerable, but Covid has multiplied the problems,” shared Rani Pdang, Project Coordinator, Seva Kendra Silchar, Assam.

Rani was sharing her experience in the virtual cross-learning program of the Northern region and Northeast region of Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Program organized on 18^th August 2021 at the cross-learning program, “Learning beyond boundaries” attended by 27 program team members from both the regions. Leeza, AHT & Migration Thematic Manager, articulated the central idea of cross-learning which is to learn from one another.

Rani spoke on human trafficking issues prevalent in the Kalain and Lowarpoa blocks of tea estates in Assam. She informed that youths and communities have also increasingly become vulnerable to being trafficked because of their loss of livelihood and no job opportunities. To address these issues, several actions have been taken, including the formation of various groups and their impact in combating the evils of human trafficking and child labour.

It was understood from the sharing of Animesh Williams from Caritas India that numerous mass awareness creation & sensitization activities & programs were carried out to reach the goal of the program. Training & workshops were conducted for different agencies engaged in curbing cross-border Human Trafficking.

The 4Ps to combat human trafficking was shared by Sikwna Brahma, the Project Coordinator NEDAN Foundation, Assam. With the help of the Village Council Development Committee, the goal of ‘Prevention’ was to raise awareness of the issues among community members and stakeholders, to put the youth against the Human Trafficking Movement and to strengthen the Village Vigilance Committee (VVC) with other actions. ‘Protection’ was done through the Integrated Child Protection Schemes with the rescue and repatriation of trafficking victims. The purpose of ‘Prosecution’ was the facilitation given while lodging FIR, also securing Legal support and Victim Compensation through DALSA recommendation. The Government also provided sponsorship for child victims to study further. Training of Uniform personnel (SSB, Police, CISF), VCDC members, SMCs and Village vigilance committee members, Adolescents group and Youth Against Human Trafficking Groups in BTR, Assam were done in Partnership. Partner with Media Houses/ personnel’s and being a member of the Kokrajhar District Social Welfare and Child Protection Unit would also be a great support for Anti Trafficking through Partnership.

The organ trafficking cases between the neighbouring state of Assam and Nagaland was highlighted by Anila Toppo, the Project Coordinator Seva Kendra Dibrugarh, Assam. The Modus Operandi of Human Trafficking at Indo-Nepal Border was shared by Hasan, Project Coordinator, DEHAT, Uttar Pradesh. He informed how traffickers lure the new generation with traps of Employment opportunity, Better Education, Medical Treatment, etc.

The participants also discussed the challenges and gaps in dealing with Human trafficking cases. In Uttar Pradesh most suspected Human Trafficking cases were handed over to Nepal police due to the lack of shelter, difficulties are created during HT lodging FIR, no guideline or SOP (5R) has been established, and no police Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has been sent. In the case of Nepali citizens, counselling is inconvenient due to a lack of translation services.

Ankit Samson, Project Coordinator, PGSSS shared the importance of Networking and the success it brings. Networking with Stakeholders at the panchayat level, schools, police, the transport union, and other special teams collaborated to identify culprits and assist victims.

The virtual cross-learning program concluded with the knowledge to implement the best practices from each other. It was emphasised to network at a higher level for Interaction with government stakeholders and advocacy. The need for exposure to the police station was made necessary to familiarise with the civil services. Constant engagement with media agencies and knowledge on the different acts like; POCSO Act, JJA, etc is helpful to support Anti Human Trafficking.