Human trafficking awareness spread through infotainment activities

Practices associated with modern-day trafficking are clearly prohibited under international human rights law. Violations of human rights is both a cause and a consequence of trafficking in persons, making the promotion and protection of human rights particularly relevant to the fight against it.

Caritas India with the support from Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) initiated ‘Swaraksha’, an Indo-Nepal Cross Border Anti-Human Trafficking program to curb the human trafficking in Uttar Pradesh. The program focuses its activities based on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership at 25 bordering villages and 5 slums of Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Beharaich. Swaraksha AHT Program is more likely to make alert communities at border area but it also wishes to sensitize and aware each & every citizen to raise their voice against trafficking in India.

On the eve of International Human Rights Day, Swaraksha program observed the International Human Rights Day to generate awareness among masses on rights of every human to grow & develop in the society. A four-day joint campaign organised at Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Baharaich saw the participation of children and youth from schools and colleges along with several Government and NGO representatives.

Street play performed by college Natakbaaz team on human trafficking and unsafe migration sensitized passengers, railway staff and officials. Feedback was also taken from Passengers, Railway Police Force, GRP, Child Welfare Committee City child line, Girls and Auto Drivers to get their views on the issue. Shri Sudeep Singh, Director, Indian railway Traffic Service Association NER appreciated the initiative of Caritas India, Swaraksha AHT Program & announced for support in days to come.

Cross border areas of Nautanwa & Rupaidiha also witnessed the campaign conducted by youth, children & Govt. officials. Youth raised the human trafficking issues through Rallies, Film Show, Street Play, Sports event & Signature Campaign. At Nautanwa, the program was inaugurated by the Sub District Magistrate Mr. Prem Prakash Anjor which was presided by Block Development Officer. At Rupaidiha, SSB check post inspector, Mr. Santosh Kumar inaugurated campaign and appreciated Swaraksha initiative and assured full support from Seema Suraksha Bal to control trafficking activities at border areas.