Team Herald
PANJIM: NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ), fighting human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) has attributed the growing organized prostitution racket to Goan society’s refusal to accept the existence of the illicit trade in the State.
“By and large, the Goan community is in denial mode about the presence of prostitution. This is one reason why the illicit trade is increasing every passing day,” ARZ Director Arun Pandey said at a public awareness symposium on CSE on Friday.
With Goa turning into a major market for sex trade, he stated, “We apprehend that Goa will be stripped of ‘family tourism’ tag into a ‘sex tourism’ spot.”
On an average, 100 women are rescued in different raids every year but the NGO believes, the number of women pushed into the trade could be much more. “The activity is rampant. It is not possible that only 100 women are trafficked and pushed into the prostitution trade. We suspect more victims trapped into this,” he said.
A majority of the rescued girls hail from 11 states including northern and north eastern states, while 10 percent are Goan girls. Some overseas youngsters from Nepal, Bhutan, Ukraine and other nationalities are also included in the list of rescued victims.
The program, organized by the sub divisional magistrate is being held across all talukas in an attempt to create awareness on the growing problem and steps to tackle it.
The NGO director explained that not only the police and NGOs, but the licensing authorities and public too have the responsibility to contribute to curb the menace. “We need to educate all the authorities concerned and the citizens about their role in combating the menace. Every person has a responsibility towards society,” he said.
