Workshop on combating child trafficking held in Tuensang

DIMAPUR — As part of the campaign on preventing and combating child trafficking in 100 bordering and adjoining districts of India, a one-day sensitisation workshop on ‘Preventing and combating child trafficking’ was organised at the DC conference hall in Tuensang on Monday.

Tongpang L Jamir, advocate in Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, was the resource person for the workshop organised by the district administration in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), a DIPR report stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, A Zibenthung Kithan, delivered the keynote address on the occasion, reminding everyone that it is illegal to exploit or transport children under the age of 18 against their will.

Human trafficking is modern slavery, where children are victims of cheap labour, child soldiering, prostitution, and organ trade, he said, adding that child trafficking is common, especially among illiterate and poor families, and can be prevented by educating children and raising awareness among the people.

Tongpang L Jamir stated that according to the United Nations, more than 50 million people are trafficked each year, and human trafficking is one of the fastest and most profitable organised crimes.

He highlighted that Nagaland is at a transition point where trafficking occurs due to its geographical location, sharing international boundaries with Myanmar and state boundaries with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.

He mentioned that the NCPCR is striving to raise awareness among the people in 100 border and adjoining districts across India.

Jamir further stated that the main factors behind human trafficking are poverty, a lack of employment opportunities, and the pursuit of a better life. He also revealed that there is a prevalence of domestic child abuse in society, some of which is exposed but many remains unheard due to a lack of awareness.

The programme was chaired by DCPO Tuensang, Yangthriba Sangtam, and the vote of thanks was delivered by SDO (C) Tuensang, Sentilong Ozukum.

The workshop was attended by police personnel, government officials, NGOs, tribal leaders, student organisations, and church organisations from Tuensang town.