In an effort to combat the scourge of human trafficking and child labor, Caritas India, took center stage at this week’s multi-stakeholders follow-up consultation meeting held in the heart of Guwahati. Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, the Executive Director of Caritas India, delivered an impassioned address that resonated with commitment and purpose. With unwavering determination, he declared Caritas India’s resolute mission: to confront child trafficking and related issues such as child labor, child survival, and children’s school dropouts, with a renewed focus on the region of West Bengal.

Fr. Paul painted a vivid picture of Caritas India’s tireless dedication to child development, particularly through its Khushaal Bachpan program, spanning the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, he unveiled plans to integrate West Bengal’s “Surokhit Shaishav – promoting safe childhood program” into the landscape of Assam, all aimed at enhancing children’s lives across four pivotal domains: child survival, education, participation, and development.

In the northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Caritas India’s ‘Swaraksha’ – Anti Human Trafficking program stands as a shining example for those trapped in the clutches of modern-day slavery. This life-altering initiative has made its presence felt in 75 villages and 7 districts, marking four years of relentless dedication since its inception on March 31, 2023.

At this momentous juncture, Fr. Paul unveiled the ‘Swaraksha Magazine,’ a compendium that encapsulates case stories and event highlights from the program’s four-year journey. He applauded the Salesians’ efforts and the Ministry in the North East, commending their role in training 130 young adults who had sought refuge from ethnic violence in Manipur. These young souls, now empowered with education and job training, stand as a testament to Caritas India’s unwavering support, with plans to extend aid to another 100 young adults from Manipur. Caritas India remains a steadfast pillar of humanitarian aid, offering solace in times of distress, conflict, and disaster.

Fr. Paul delved into the myriad facets of modern-day slavery, recounting the organization’s initiatives that have rescued countless children and young girls from the clutches of traffickers, providing them a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

With a somber tone, Fr. Paul shed light on the grim reality of ‘Skin Trafficking,’ a sinister dimension of human trafficking where young girls are subjected to unspeakable horrors. These innocent victims often spiral into depression and, tragically, some even resort to suicide. Middlemen exploit their vulnerability, trading their skin for the production of beauty products, casting a dark shadow on the world.

Dr. Digambar, Chairperson of NEDAN Foundation and Founder of the North East Network Forum Against Trafficking (NENFAT), shared insights into the consultative planning process, its evolution, and objectives. This people’s movement has seen the collaboration of 62 Civil Society Organizations from the Northeast, along with partners from West Bengal’s Siliguri and Darjeeling regions, as well as student unions and collectives. The significance of this planning meeting lies in the alignment of NENFAT’s goals with Caritas India’s Child Rights Program.
Dr. Digambar highlighted the guiding principles that underpin NENFAT’s efforts, including a human resource-based approach, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, child rights, child protection, a comprehensive international approach, interdisciplinary coordination, and an evidence-based approach.

Dr. Jayanta Munsi, Lead Child Development, presented the results-driven matrix of the ‘Surokhit Shaishav – promoting safe childhood in India’ program. The four pillars of intervention—child labor, child marriage, child trafficking, and education—were elucidated, with a spotlight on macro-level results where NENFAT and CACL played pivotal roles.

Following this, participants engaged in group discussions, pondering how the Assam NENFAT chapter could collaboratively address human trafficking in tandem with the Safe Childhood Program Goal. Two groups formed and presented their 10-point declaration for NENFAT.

After rigorous deliberation, a consensus emerged, distilling these declarations into actionable points:

1. Identifying hotspots for child protection, including child labor, child marriage, and child trafficking.
2. Establishing compulsory child rights clubs.
3. Ensuring the implementation of legal literacy sessions in all schools as directed by SLSA.
4. Advocating for government intervention in existing red-light areas.
5. Vigilant oversight of government schemes.
6. Guaranteeing the proper implementation of the RTE Act.
7. Facilitating the establishment of Child Care Institutions (CCIs).
8. Initiating child-friendly police corners in every police station.
9. Recommending the inclusion of Child Rights in school curricula.
10. Identifying suitable job placement opportunities within the network.

With heartfelt gratitude expressed by Ms. Chihanphi Luiram, Program Associate of AHT, the one-day Consultative Strategic Planning Meet with the Assam State Chapter NENFAT concluded on a note of shared determination and collaboration. The event brought together representatives from diverse organizations, including NEDAN Foundation, UTSAH-Universal Team for Social Action and Help, Aide Et Action, Northeast Social Research Centre, Human Rights Law Networks (HRLN), Legal Cell Human Rights, Shishu Sarothi, Northeast Diocesan Social Service Society, Seva Kendra Silchar, Centre for Development Initiatives, Seven Sisters Home, Snehalaya, Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FasCE India), and Women Development Centre, in addition to dedicated journalists and child rights activists. In total, 34 participants from 18 NGOs and CSOs lent their collective voice to this critical mission, standing shoulder to shoulder with Caritas India in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable children.