The National Commission for Women in collaboration with Social Welfare Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and J&K Police organized a one-day national seminar on Anti Human Trafficking Awareness at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar.
The one-day awareness session aimed at discussing the scenario of human trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, the importance of Anti Human Trafficking Units and the importance of survivor leadership in combating human trafficking, among other issues.
Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, J&K presided the seminar as Chief Guest. The special address was delivered by Guest of Honour, Hon'ble Shri Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Chairperson, NCW, Ms Rekha Sharma, Shri Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner/Secretary, Dept. of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir also graced the occasion.
Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, J&K stressed on the importance of public participation and an integrated approach to resolve human trafficking.
"Today's workshop will build a roadmap for future. Human trafficking is a complex challenge in which national and international crime networks are involved. It is important that every section of the society should understand the importance of public participation. No unit can fight alone but local, national and international coordination, progressive law enforcement and integrated approach of stakeholders is needed to fight human trafficking," he said. He also emphasized that outreach, awareness and use of technology can help in effectively resolving the crime.
Chairperson, NCW, Ms Rekha Sharma shared her insights on the matter and emphasised the need to stop human trafficking at its source in order to fight it successfully. She said that unless the traffickers are arrested, the vicious cycle would continue because trafficking is an organised crime. "We must address prevention of human trafficking. The majority of victims of human trafficking are women and children. In order to effectively combat human trafficking, it is crucial to stop the crime at its source. The purpose of the seminar is to protect women and to increase awareness of human trafficking in the region of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.
Hon'ble Shri Justice N. Kotiswar Singh emphasized on the crucial role of the judiciary and the importance of collaborative efforts from all the organizations in tackling the menace of human trafficking. Shri Arun Kumar Mehta shared his insights on the effective redressal of human trafficking cases and the role of awareness around the topic for addressing the issues and challenges that come in the way.
The Commission invited Shri Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS ADGP, Telangana Police, Shri Sujit Kumar, IPS DIG, Jammu & Kashmir Police, Ms Sunita Kar, Survivor Leader & General Secretary, ILFAT, and Ms Hasina Kharbhih, Founder, Impulse NGO, Meghalaya as resource persons.
The seminar was divided into two sessions. In the technical session conducted in the first half topics such as 'Importance of AHTUs and Identifying Traffickers in Conventional types of Trafficking', 'Scenario of Trafficking in Jammu & Kashmir', and 'Importance of Survivor Leadership in Combating Human Trafficking' were discussed.
In the post-lunch session, a session on the 'Role of Civil Society in assisting police in prevention, investigation, prosecution and care of victims' was held. A screening of the Documentary on Bride Trafficking in Jammu & Kashmir made by documentary filmmaker Ms Neha Sharma was also held.
The sessions were followed by discussions on issues and challenges faced by Anti Human Trafficking Units and sharing of best practices by the States.
The participants comprised of State Women Commissions, senior police officials, senior officials from para military forces, government organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Universities/Colleges, among others.
The National Commission for Women established an Anti-Human Trafficking Cell on 2nd April, 2022 to improve effectiveness in tackling cases of human trafficking, raising awareness among women and girls, capacity building and training of Anti Trafficking Units and to strengthen & sensitize law enforcement machineries.
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SS/AKS
(Release ID :244390)