Human Trafficking Is Crime Against Humanity

“Together, we can be the voice of the voiceless. Let us unite to end human trafficking and ensure freedom, and dignity for every soul”

Human trafficking is one of the biggest crimes of modern times. Human Trafficking is the illegal trade of humans for exploitation such as forced labour, sexual slavery or commercial sexual exploitation. Of late #humantrafficking has posed a growing challenge to the law enforcement agencies. Human are treated like commodities by the perpetrators of human trafficking.

The United Nations defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labour or sexual exploitation. It takes on many forms today. It is a severe violation of human rights.

The unscrupulous elements who are into this flesh trade often use Railways as their medium of transport. Human trafficking is done for many purposes. Over 27 million people are victims of trafficking globally, with women and girls making up 71% of victims. Human trafficking generates over $150 billion annually for traffickers.

Types of Human Trafficking

A. Child Labor and Trafficking

• Millions of children are forced into labor in industries like agriculture, carpet production, cocoa plantations, brick making and glass industry etc.
• Causes include poverty, demand for cheap labor, and lack of education.
• Many children are also forced into prostitution, begging, or domestic servitude.

B. Bonded Labor (Debt Bondage)

• People become slaves to pay off debts, but the system traps them in endless cycles of exploitation. They will remain in the vicious circle forever.
• Employers often increase debts with extra charges for food, housing, and other needs, making repayment impossible. Bonded labourers will remain tied up for generations.
• This is widespread in different parts of India.

C. Forced Labor

• Victims are coerced into working without pay in unsafe conditions.
• Industries such as textiles, construction, fishing, and agriculture are known for exploiting forced labor.
• Few rebel groups also use forced labor, including child soldiers. They are regularly fed with rhetorics and made their fighters.

D. Sex Trafficking

• Young girls are lured by offering jobs, better life, education etc.
• Victims are forced into commercial sex acts through threats or manipulation.
• Children and marginalized groups are especially vulnerable due to poverty and lack of rights.
• Traffickers use false job offers, fake modeling agencies, or even family connections to lure victims.

E. Domestic Servitude

• Workers, often migrants, are trapped as unpaid servants in private homes. If paid, they are paid very megerly.
• Many are isolated, abused, and unable to leave because employers confiscate their documents. They will be forced to remain bonded labours for entire life.

F. Organ Trafficking

• Vulnerable people are deceived into selling their organs or are forcibly exploited for organ removal.
• The global demand for organs fuels this crime.

G. Forced Marriage

• Individuals, especially children, are forced into marriage without consent, often for financial gain.
• These victims may later be exploited for labor, sex, or domestic servitude.

Causes of Human Trafficking

• Poverty: Economic struggles force people into risky situations.
• Lack of Education: Many are unaware of traffickers’ tactics.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Poorly enforced laws allow traffickers to operate freely.
• Demand for Cheap Labor: Industries seek low-cost workers, fueling exploitation.

Methods Used by Traffickers

• #Deception: Offering fake job opportunities or false promises.
• #Coercion: Threatening victims or their families.
• #Abduction: Kidnapping individuals.
• #Grooming: Building trust to manipulate victims before exploitation.

How can we tackle the issue?

#Awareness: The first step is building awareness about the existence of slavery and human trafficking. Awareness is crucial for generating support and mobilizing resources. This includes educating individuals and communities, dispelling myths, and highlighting the ongoing problem. Activities related to awareness include research, prevention efforts, and educational materials to inform the public and encourage action.

#Policy Making: Once awareness is established, the next phase is leveraging that knowledge to influence policies that address slavery. This involves working with legislators, corporations, and individuals to create and enforce laws that reduce slavery and support victims. Activities include lobbying, expert testimony, and mobilizing public support for legislative change.

#Rescue: Rescue operations are aimed at freeing individuals from enslavement, often in risky and dangerous situations. These operations require collaboration with local authorities and are supported by education and legislation. After the rescue, survivors need urgent care, including safety, food, housing, and medical attention.

#Prosecution: Holding slave owners accountable is essential to end slavery. Prosecution makes slavery a high-risk activity for perpetrators, encouraging the enforcement of laws. This phase involves supporting local law enforcement and promoting legal frameworks to ensure the punishment of offenders.

#Aftercare: Aftercare provides support to survivors to help them heal and reintegrate into society. This includes housing, medical care, counseling, life skills training, and education. It helps survivors regain independence and prevents re-enslavement by addressing their vulnerabilities.

#Empowerment: Empowerment ensures that survivors have control over their futures. This phase focuses on providing economic opportunities, job training, and survivor advocacy. Empowered individuals are less vulnerable to re-enslavement and are equipped to advocate for themselves and others.

Role of RPF in controlling Human trafficking

By virtue of its pan India presence and immediate responder in Railway premises #RPF has taken up the gauntlet to tackle the issue of human trafficking. #Railways is one of the important modes of transport chosen by the traffickers as its enormous size and network provides a safe passage to the traffickers. In the guise of genuine #passengers and care givers the traffickers transport gullible victims to their chosen destinations.

RPF in coordination with other stake holders within and without Railways is the right agency to cut the tentacles of this monster and light the lamps of hope in the lives of the victims. #RPF has devised strategies/special drives to tackle the menace. ‘Meri Saheli’ is aimed at providing hassle free travel to lady passengers particularly those travelling alone.

Lady RPF personnel identify and interact with lady passengers travelling alone and their journey is monitored till they reach their destination safely. #AHTUs (Anti Human Trafficking Unit) are the teams of RPF working at major stations against human trafficking. These teams also collaborate with other stake holders like #BBA (Bachpan Bachao Andolan).

Effective measures taken by the RPF to prevent human trafficking

1. Following the standard operating procedures issued by the state police, the Railway Protection Force is playing an important role in addressing human trafficking by adhering to the necessary guidelines as per the prevailing laws.
2. Railway protection Force has implemented a Memorandum of Understanding with Bachpan Bachao Andolan in the year 2022 for effective action against Human trafficking and rescue of trafficking victims in which RPF is working comprehensibly according to existing law and sensitizing the passengers with latest techniques.
3. RPF is also taking steps to prevent Human trafficking and time to time instructions have been issued by The Director General RPF to the field units. In February 2022 Security Circular 03/2023 issued by DG RPF and in compliance of this at all major stations Anti Human trafficking Units have been established at RPF Post/Division/Zonal level which are functioning in coordination with District and State level intelligence units NGOs and other stake holders and tacking effective measures to rescue victims and taking actions against traffickers.
4. Apart from the above, Railway Protection Force has been continuously running ‘Operation AAHT’ against human trafficking, which has drawn positive results. From time to time, the Railway Protection Force conducts campaigns against human trafficking, the effectiveness of which is reflected is progressive statistics. Resulting the action taken by RPF many children were rescued. The details are as under:

5. Officers and staff of all ranks in the Railway Protection Force are being regularly trained on the evolving laws and changing circumstances related to human trafficking.
6. Bachpan Bachao Andolan and its partner NGOs have provided representatives at 26 stations across Indian Railway, through help desks to assist the Railway Protection Force in ensuring the care and protection of rescued children. Regular training sessions are conducted in coordination with BBA (Bachpan Bachao Andolan) to enhance the knowledge of RPF personnel about the magnitude and severity of the issue and possible methods employed by the traffickers to carry out their activities.

Laws related to human trafficking in India

• Article 23 (1) of the Constitution of India: Prohibits trafficking in human beings or persons.
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): The primary legislation for preventing trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita: Includes Section 143 and 144 BNS 2023, which provide measures to counter human trafficking.
• Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: A special law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006: A law related to trafficking in women and children.

Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: A law related to trafficking in human beings

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. A law related to envisages a compressive approach  towards justice for children in situations of abuse, exploitation and social adjustment.

The road ahead is very long and the terrain is rugged. With increased demand for jobs, good prospects elsewhere among the innocent and gullible public there is an apprehension that the greed of traffickers also will go up. RPF with a touch of humanity and commitment is leaving no stone unturned to tackle the menace of human trafficking in and through Railways. The Force administration has given top priority to this challenge.

Anti human trafficking units have been strengthened by providing gadgets and vehicles, CCTV cameras are being installed at various stations under Nirbhaya Fund, Meri Saheli teams are working round the clock to ensure safe travel of woman passengers. Having achieved good results with sustained efforts, RPF is confident that this human trafficking demon will be subdued and the confidence of traffickers will be shattered. RPF will not allow the traffickers to play havoc with the innocent lives of the children and the needy.

“No one deserves to be bought or sold. RPF India is committed to protecting lives and ending this dark crime.”