India: Unite national and international forces to protect women and children trafficked victims

9 Aug 2012 Trafficking, abuse and exploitationIndia

Within the framework of the current anti trafficking project implemented in India through Sanlaap, the Terre des hommes India Delegation with the active support from an existing civil Society network on child protection has been able to compile a document – Resource Directory on Child Protection Services and Structures of West Bengal. This document has been endorsed by the highest authorities dealing with Protection of Child Rights for both the Government of India and Government of West Bengal. Simultaneously Tdh officially shared a document composed by witness statements on the reintegration of trafficked survivors, “Our Stories”.

Resource Mapping of child protection services

The Resource Directory, first of its kind in India, provides a quick overview of several key stakeholders involved in child protection in the State of West Bengal where the project is implemented. Subsequently, relevant contact information (District wise) is presented. This covers key district level functionaries, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, police stations and key police officials, homes (including those under the cottage scheme), CHILDLINE and child adoption agencies. It is hoped that this Resource Directory helps strengthen coordination between the key stakeholders responsible for and working on child protection in West Bengal.

A State Level Book Launch in Kolkata

Simultaneously Tdh and its partner Sanlaap have come up with another document titled – Our Stories. The document voices the journey of reintegration of trafficked survivors through their own lenses. This document tells their stories. It is about their situations, needs and concerns, dreams and aspirations. Thus, the following narratives emerged primarily from conversations with the survivors and their family members. The lessons drawn in terms of the key dimensions of reintegration and related actions taken subsequently are also outlined.

European Union launch Tdh’s documents

Both these documents were formally launched on 16 July at Swissotel Kolkata. The documents were released by Mr. Hans Van Vliet, the European Union Head for Development Cooperation of the Delegation in India from New Delhi and Ms. Nandana Sen, Activist and Actor. (Ms. Sen has been an active activist in the field of child sexual abuse in India for many years now and she is closely associated with various networks dealing with child protection related issues.)

The event was marked by the participation of members of the Child Welfare Committee from some of the Districts of West Bengal, representatives from the US Consulate, UNICEF, International agencies, grass root organisations and other civil society organisations working in the field of child protection for many years now.

The formal launch was followed by a panel discussion on the topic of Reintegration of Trafficked Victims in the broader context of Child Protection Services and Structures.) The panelists included eminent activists and agencies working in the thematic of child protection and child trafficking.

Further information on the Tdh’s information in India