On 20, Dec 13, Shakti Vahini organised a stakeholders’ awareness meeting in Siliguri, West Bengal on anti human trafficking. 30 representatives from various government departments and NGOs, who are directly or indirectly related to combat the menace, participated in the meeting. Members of Child Welfare Committee, Child Protection Committee of New Jalpaiguri and Block Development Officers were also present and threw light on this burning issue.

SHAKTI VAHINI SILIGURI

During the meet major issues like missing children, platform children etc were stressed upon and it was agreed that there is a need to give special preference to these issues. To combat human trafficking the linkage between source and destination area is needed to strengthen. All the stakeholders of children and women issues who are working at different levels shall come together. The convergence of the roles of these stakeholders will result in combating this organised crime.

The problem of trafficking in women and children was discussed at the depth and many cases were also discussed. Mr. Mrinal Ghosh and various CWC members, said that strong advocacy and lobbying may overcome the shortcoming that CWC is facing. Social Welfare Departments, District administration and NGOs working on Child rights shall come forward in creating effective sensitization and awareness among people.

Block Development officers highlighted the issue of trafficking and missing children at village level. It was also mentioned by Block Development Officers that various schemes of government can prevent trafficking at the source point. BDOs came forth in facilitating Shakti Vahini’s Anti-Trafficking and missing children alert initiative programmes. The officers present in the meeting ensured that all kinds of helping hands will be extended to curve the menace of trafficking.

Block Development Officers and Government Officials present in the Meeting