Arise India Network Marks World Day Against Trafficking 2022

Arise India Coordinator, Sr Sherly Thomas, summarises the India network activities on the 30th July:

The World Day Against Human Trafficking in Persons 2022 was observed in a grand and meaningful way by Seva Kendra Silchar in Collaboration with Caritas India, Barak Valley Welfare Development Society, and Arise. The programme was organised at the district level with different stakeholders like AHTU Cachar, Childline, CWC, One Stop Centre, District Social Welfare, Barak Valley Welfare Development Society, Assam University (Social Work Department), and DLSA. There were around two hundred and fifty participants who participated in the rally and workshop.

In the morning a street play was organised in the town of Silchar, depicting the different forms of human trafficking, and how it affects families and society as a whole. After the street play, a rally was organised - and the Additional SP Border (Cachar district) Pradeep Konwar spoke. He insisted that everyone should join hands and collaborate to combat human trafficking, and he urged that awareness should be spread far and wide - especially in the rural areas.

In the afternoon, a cultural programme and a workshop was organised at Seva Kendra Conference Hall, and beneficiaries from Ujjawala Shelter home and the students from NIOS performed theme dance and songs on human trafficking. The chief guest was the Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Kishan Chorei Tripura, and the other dignitaries and speakers included Mr Sujit Kumar Nath - chairman of CWC, Ms Elizabeth and Ms Papita from DLSA, Ms. Chandrani and Ms Anuja from the District Welfare Society, Mr Sapan from Childline. Dr. Albin Asst, a Professor at Assam University, Sr. Sherly Thomas, India Coordinator at the Arise Foundation, and also Ms. Rupali from One Stop Centre. All dignitaries spoke on various forms of human trafficking, and strategies for combating it.

The workshop brought everyone working towards eradicating trafficking under the same roof, where people could share knowledge, experiences, and strategies. There was also valuable conversation on the different role each department plays, and how groups and institutions can complement each other further. It was a good session, and the participants like the Village Vigilance Committees, PRIs, Youth Groups and Women Groups learnt a lot. Gatherings like these are invaluable for learning about protection, and we are looking forward to the next one.