This year’s theme for the World Day Against Human Trafficking, observed on July 30th, was “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” This theme resonates deeply with Caritas India’s program for child rights, Surokhit Shaishav, which focuses on reducing child vulnerability, enhancing child protection mechanisms, improving education access, and strengthening child-centric government policies and programs. It is dedicated to ensuring the safety, education, and empowerment of children across 10 districts in West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to abolish child labor, child marriage, and human trafficking by establishing effective child protection systems and promoting children’s rights to education and inclusive development.

As part of the effort to end human trafficking, Caritas India organized a massive awareness-raising campaign across West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. The campaign targeted community members, school students, teachers, and local government officials, including PRI members, SSBs, AHTUs, police, and line departments such as DCPUs, CWCs, government school teachers, ICDS center supervisors, and ASHA workers. The campaign emphasized the critical need for dedicated support for child survivors of trafficking and addressed shortcomings in the current systems to accelerate action to end child trafficking.

In Uttar Pradesh, a significant awareness event was organized in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS). The event featured a flag-off ceremony of an awareness vehicle, community outreach programs, and informative sessions aimed at educating the public about the dangers of human trafficking and the steps to prevent it.

Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent of Police, Maharajganj, Shri Somendra Meena, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking, which is the third-largest organized crime worldwide. He stressed the commitment of the anti-human trafficking police station, all station in-charges, child welfare police officers, and the anti-Romeo team in combating this crime. He cautioned that strict legal actions would be taken against anyone found involved in human trafficking.

Shri Pradeep Sharma, SSB, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, highlighted the critical need for alertness among citizens of both India and Nepal to prevent human trafficking along the border. Similarly, Shri Jaiprakash Singh, In-Charge of the Anti-Human Trafficking Police Station, spoke about the necessity of collective efforts to identify victims and strengthen relief measures.

In Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh, Caritas India’s partner DEHAT India organized a rally in collaboration with the police and AHTU team, spreading awareness on human trafficking. The rally commenced from Rupaidiah Thana, taking the most congested routes along the Indo-Nepal border. Present were NGOs from across the border in Nepal.

In Siliguri, Seva Kendra, in collaboration with the Anti-Trafficking Network (ATN) and North Bengal Child Rights Network (NBCRN), observed the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons through a coordination meeting of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Siliguri Police Commissionerate, BSF, SSB, and CISF personnel. ACP Farukh addressed the gathering, speaking about the role of the police, various procedures and protocols involved in handling cases, and the importance of coordination between para-military forces and the police.

In Darjeeling and Kalimpong Districts of North Bengal, Anugyalaya DDSSS organized an awareness campaign in collaboration with the Gorubathan Police Department and Gorubathan 1 GP at Sombary Bazar Dharmashala. OC Pratik Subba spoke about the challenges and the need to work together to combat human trafficking in society. Over 200 awareness stickers were pasted on vehicles as part of the campaign.

At the Indo-Nepal border in Darjeeling District, Anugyalaya DDSSS, in collaboration with Maiti Nepal, organized an interactive sharing and learning workshop at Monastery Hall, Pashupati Fatak. The workshop aimed to establish a network and platform among SSB, APF, police departments of both countries, CBOs, and NGOs to raise awareness within the communities and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders involved in combating human trafficking.

Caritas India is committed to stopping any form of human trafficking and restoring human dignity. As recognized under Sustainable Development Goal 10, social and income inequality are global problems requiring global solutions, and facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is key to bridging the widening divide. This year’s theme aligns with Caritas India’s flagship program, Surokhit Shaishav – Promoting Safe Childhood. Caritas India and its partner organizations pledge not to leave any child behind in the fight against human trafficking.

Through these efforts, Caritas India is fostering a society where every child’s rights are upheld and cherished, ensuring a safe, happy, and dignified childhood for all.