Keep children safe from traffickers in India

Dear GlobalGivers,

Despite the gross number of trafficking on the rise, we are hopeful, as India has called for the adoption of a multi-pronged strategy to fight the global battle against the scourge of human trafficking. In addition, the Indian Government has also accorded highest priority to combat human trafficking.

Close to 20,000 women and children became victims of human trafficking in India in 2016, a rise of nearly 25 percent from the previous year, according to Government data. Poverty, lack of education and awareness push many children to become trafficking victims.

Every8Minutes’ partner organization Nedan Foundation in India’s North East has been working tirelessly to prevent young women and girls from getting trafficked. Assam has seen a huge rise in human trafficking in the last decade, as it shares its border with Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Child trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation are the main reasons. There are hundreds of undocumented cases where many girls have never been traced. Child disappearances have now become a daily reality in Assam and across the country.

Nedan Foundation runs a shelter home for survivors. Here girls are provided with education and skill training in traditional weaving. The home currently shelters 60 girls. As part of their annual activity, an exposure trip was organised to Guwahati. The sightseeing trips organised each year is something all the girls eagerly wait to go out and enjoy themselves. 19 survivors of trafficking visited an amusement park in Guwahati on a daylong trip. These trips help the girls to bond and help them reintegrate back into the society.

“We really had a great time, I especially liked the snow world. I have never seen snow in my life and to be able to experience playing in the snow in Assam is something I have never imagined. I hope to visit the park again” Meena*

Meena 16, resides at Nedan Foundation’s home. She was rescued while working as a domestic help. Her poor parents could not afford to support her, so she was sent away to work. Her employer exploited her and she was finally rescued by Nedan’s team. Meena is currently studying and she hopes to finish her school and pursue higher studies.

The Every8Minutes campaign has been raising its voice to break the chain of silence so that girls like Meena can exercise their basic rights to live a life, free from fear and oppression.

We need your support to help us speak out against child trafficking. Your support is crucial as we continue to support our partner organisations across the country to create awareness among local communities to take prompt action if they see any child in danger.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

With deep gratitude,

iPartner India Team