MARGAO: ARZ in collaboration with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit, South Goa Police observed ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ on Monday at a function held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao where they launched a programme for ‘Educating youth to combat trafficking’.
Ranjita Pai, Chairperson, Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) launched the programme that was attended by students from various colleges from South Goa.
Arun Pandey, ARZ founder said that the youth are the most vulnerable group for sex trafficking and highlighted how online commercial sexual activities are dangerous to society.
During the discussion, it was also revealed that human trafficking is not limited only to sexual activity but that trafficking is being done for child labour and organ trafficking as well. The various types of sex rackets that have been exposed were discussed and how there is increased participation from culprits from outside the State.
GSW Chairperson however emphasized that no form of organ trafficking has been found in the state.
She raised concerns however about the rising number of cases in the country and such rampant exploitation of women and children has to be stopped. The modus-operandi used in such cases also revealed.
“Even though organ trafficking has not been seen in the state so far, it is evident from the incidents that it is happening in other States. If we want to give something good to the next generation, then these evils have to be stopped. There is a need to create public awareness amongst the youth about such events as only through that can human trafficking be prevented,” said Pai.
There was also a discussion about how sex trafficking is having a bad effect on tourism in Goa
“Whenever sex rackets have been busted by the Goa police, it seems that people from outside the state are more involved in such incidents. As communication facilities are good in Goa, it is easy to come from outside the state, smuggle people and go back again.,” Pai added.
Steps taken by the police in collaboration with the NGOs to stop such rackets and rescue the victims were elaborated upon. The importance of the rehabilitation process was also explained.
Pai said just because women and girls are rescued, does not mean the work is over as they need to find a source of income in order to support themselves and their families who depend on them.
The work carried out by ARZ who has been working with such women with the help of the government was praised.
It was also pointed out that no person enters prostitution voluntarily and the various reasons, which force them into it.
