The Indo-Nepal border has been a susceptible point of human trafficking from ages. Despite many laws to regulate the trafficking, both in Nepal and India, it continues. The percentage of trafficking is increased by 500% since 2013, claimed by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Caritas India’s Swaraksha programme on Anti-Human Trafficking addressing the issue at the Indo-Nepal border with the support of its partner DEHAT and PGSS. The programme focuses on prevention, protection and partnership at 25 bordering villages in Maharajganj, Behariach, Gorakhpur Districts and 5 slums of Lucknow.

There is close collaboration with schools, communities, border police, railway police, transport departments, CWC, ChildLine, AHTU’s, shelter home, government departments and NGOs to create awareness and sensitise citizens to raise their voice against human trafficking.

In this regard DEHAT organized a training for SSB personnel on July 11 at Chandithan, Nautanwa and 23, 2018 at SSB headquarter at Parsa Agaiya (Nanpara). 160 SSB personnel were trained to deal with challenges, opportunities and possibilities to combat human trafficking.

Dr. Jitendra Chaturvedi, Director DEHAT & Mr. Abdul Hameed (Trainer from PGSS), facilitated the training & shared the major activities related to Rescue operations, Repatriation & Rehabilitation.

“Rescuing the victims from traffickers is not enough, we need to work side by side on prevention, protection, prosecution and rehabilitation aspects”, shared Dr. Jitendra. He emphasized that we need to identify the root causes and work at the ground level for its elimination.

The training briefly explained about the POCSO, JJ Act, ITPA 1956 acts. SSB personnel has given orientation on their role in combatting human trafficking. They were trained to identify victims and taking immediate action at the border.

District Probation Officer, Mr. V. P. Verma of Bahraich assured that his department will provide complete support towards combating human trafficking. He also with the SSB about the different Government Schemes for the support of vulnerable families to prevent trafficking.

SSB Commandant, Mr. Anil Kumar Giri towards the concluding session of the training reinstated that SSB will rescue, repatriate and rehabilitate as per Indian law which will be helpful in future to identified correct figure of human trafficking in government record as well as Swaraksha programme. He also requested Dr. Jitendra to plan workshop at Border outposts, so every Jawan could be aware of various issues related to human trafficking. He insisted to provide some IEC at every BOP to spread awareness on the issue.