Community engagement key to combat human trafficking
British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata supports the district-level meeting to address human trafficking issue at Barasat, West Bengal on 19 September 2018.
Each year thousands fall victim to human trafficking and end up trapped unable to escape or find a way out. They are often tricked and misled into believing that they are being taken for job opportunities, education, a better life, or through force, abduction. Human trafficking is a global problem affecting all countries including the UK. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. To tackle this evil crime, everyone needs to join our efforts.
The NGO Jabala, organised a district-level meeting at Titumir Conference Hall, Zilla Parishad, Barasat to address this issue on 19 September 2018. Jabala is taking forward activities aimed at building the confidence of those most vulnerable to trafficking and helping them and others be more informed and better aware of the prevention techniques.
Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner Kolkata said:
Trafficking is a challenging issue to address and requires co-ordinated efforts between communities and the authorities. I am pleased to see today the engagement of the district administration and officials.
I hope events such as today will generate more awareness on how to stay safe, promote community engagement, and empower people to work with authorities to address the dangers. All parts of the community need to come together to share best practice. The presence of so many sends a signal of efforts to help end human trafficking and exploitation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, North 24 Parganas Avijit Banerjee, Chairperson, West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Ananya Chakraborti, Deputy Commander, Border Security Force Nizammudin and the Executive Director, Jabala, Baitali Ganguly and other district officials attended the meeting.
The highlight of the meeting was the ‘Girls Voice’ – an interaction between the girls of the community and district government officials and law enforcement agencies. The meeting witnessed a strong participation of the youth from the community.
For media queries, please contact:
Sally Hedley, Head of Communications
Press and Communications, British High Commission,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 24192100; Fax: 24192400
Mail to: Amit Sengupta
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