Protect 50,000 families from trafficking

Rita* was just 16 when her parents lost sight of her. The family had travelled from their home village to work on a cotton farm far away, doing what many migrant families must to survive. One afternoon, while working in the fields, Rita left to relieve herself and never returned.

Her parents searched frantically, asking nearby workers if anyone had seen her. Eventually, they discovered that a man had taken her from the area. They rushed to the local police to report her missing, but officers refused to register the complaint unless the family provided identity documents. This isn’t required by law, but is too often used to delay justice.

Panicked, the family returned home to collect what they could. They had no birth certificate or ID for their daughter. In desperation, they approached their local childcare centre for a letter confirming Rita’s age. All of this was happening while they had no idea where she was or if she was even safe.

What followed was a painful journey of being turned away by different authorities. The family learned that Rita had been abducted by a man from their home district who had political connections. It was an impossible situation for a working-class family to navigate alone. But they refused to give up.

That’s when they called the Jan Sahas (Karuna's partner's) helpline. Our team quickly collected all the necessary details and guided them on the next steps. Though they didn’t have staff based in the area where the abduction took place, the project team supported the family remotely and connected them with the right officials to get action.

Eventually, with pressure and perseverance, the police launched a rescue mission. After six long weeks, Rita was found and brought home. Charges were filed under child protection laws, and the perpetrator is now behind bars. The case is currently in court.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Families who challenge those with power often face quiet forms of pressure. But for now, Rita is safe and supported. She’s been linked to our team working on the prevention of violence against women and children. Her parents are slowly recovering from the trauma of their ordeal.

This case is a powerful reminder of the extreme vulnerabilities migrant families face and of the strength they show when given the right support. Thanks to your generosity, families like Rita’s aren’t left to fight alone.

Thank you for making this possible.

*Name changed for protection.