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Human trafficking and the plight of women and children Deepabali Khaidem Co- ordinator Women Action for Development (WAD)

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TODAY'S NEWS

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Mom asked Rs 2 lakhs for custody of own daughter Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, July 30 2012: A young mother has been demanded Rs two lakhs to take custody of her own daughter who is currently in the custody of her husband's second wife. The second wife not only demanded Rs two lakhs but also threatened to sell off the young girl in case the demand is not fulfilled. Saikhom (N) Naorem (O) Roshini (30) who is separated from her husband is now living in a rented room at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai. Talking exclusively to TSE today, Roshini said that she was married to Naorem Momo (30) s/o Thambou of Pukhao Ahallup Leikai in 2002. After a few years since her daughter was born, Momo who is truck driver by profession and operating on Guwahati-Imphal route started harassing Roshini and he repeatedly asked his wife to go back to her parental home. Unable to bear the constant harassment, Roshini went back to her parental home at Ningthemcha Khun. It was during this period when Roshini's mother-in-law came and took away her three year old daughter. When Roshini went to Momo's house to take back her daughter, she was denied the custody of her own daughter saying that they (her in-laws) would bring up the girl. In the meantime, it was heard that Momo had brought home one Moirangbam Thoibi from Hojai, Udaipur as his second wife. Again, Roshini went to Momo's house to take her daughter but they refused to give her the girl. Sometime later, Momo and his second wife went together to Hojai Udaipur taking along with them Roshini's daughter Mohini. After staying at Hojai Udaipur for about two months, Momo came back to Manipur. Not long after, Momo brought home another woman from Waiton as his third wife. Following these developments, Roshini made her best efforts to take custody of her own daughter. She even went to Hojai Udaipur and entreated to Thoibi to give her daughter but Thoibi set certain conditions if Roshini must take back her daughter. Thoibi demanded Roshini to bring their husband to Hojai or give her Rs two lakhs if she (Roshini) must take her daughter. At this, Roshini clarified that she had snapped all marital relationships with Momo. Again, Roshini went to Hojai together with Momo's younger brother but Thoibi insisted that Momo himself should be brought there if Roshini must take custody of Mohini. This time too, Roshini returned empty handed and crestfallen. Roshini who is now working as security guard at JNIMS for a trifling monthly salary of Rs 2500 had even approached EEMA but they referred her case to Child Line. Together with volunteers of Child Line, Roshini went to Porompat police station to lodge an FIR case but Porompat Police refused to handle the case saying that it was too old. Finally, Roshini approached Cheirap Court following which she was told to come to the Court on August 8. Acting on her petition, the Court has reportedly sent a summon to Hojai. Roshini said that Thoibi and her family rang her yesterday and demanded money for Mohini had fallen ill. At this, Roshini asked Thoibi to bring Mohini to Guwahati so that the girl can be properly diagnosed and treated there. In the next moment, Thoibi suddenly changed her words and said that the girl had recovered fully. Thoibi then threatened Roshini which looked like a case of blackmailing saying that Mohini would be sold off if Roshini does not pay Rs two lakhs within the months of June and July. "In case my daughter is sold off or if she dies in the custody of Thoibi, Momo and his second wife should be held responsible", said the worried mother.

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Human trafficking or modern global slavery - third highest profitable well-organized crime that are carried out in nexus. Basically exploits the vulnerability of human beings, especially women and children extending beyond boundaries and jurisdictions. Marginalized and poverty-stricken underprivileged people are the main targets of this deplorable crime. For 2012 till July, 44 girls and children rescued from the hands of traffickers were reported. It is recorded that 1.25 lakhs of reported cases of child trafficking in the year 2011-2012 happening in our country. Introduction

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Prolong armed conflicts due to imposition of the draconian AFSPA act- thousands killed, thousands homeless - causes acute poverty linked to armed conflicts hence human trafficking. Another impact of prolong armed conflicts- forced recruitment of children below 15 years for child soldiers. Impact of communal riots- Naga/Kuki, Meitei/Pangal, Kuki/Paite. Impact of Mega projects in the state (Khuga dam, Tipaimukh dam)- forced displacement, many homeless- increases sex trades in the state. Impact of globalization- marketization (mobile phones, i-pods, internet)- attracts under-privileged children- distant gaps between advanced globalization and status of marginalized and poverty-stricken under- privileged people. Failure of quality education system- hundreds of children transferred to other states illegally by agents from Manipur- false hopes for free education, food, shelter, etc. Impact of HIV/AIDS- HIV widows, flesh trades, poverty, etc. Trafficking Scenario in Manipur : Why and How??

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Plight of victims: preys of trafficking Economic causes: poverty, globalization, increased export oriented growth, growing consumerism, unemployment, lack of opportunities in rural areas. Triggering factors: family disintegration, armed conflict, displacement, violence, abuse, neglect, vulnerable situations like natural disasters, calamities; loss of spouses, of parents, HIV/AIDS. Contributory: literacy, poor education, lack of awareness (trafficking, HIV), lack of legal knowledge for health care, government welfare schemes, sensitized media, lack of effective NGO networks. System failure: poor implementation of laws, failure of education system, weak governance of labor, health, education, social welfare and police department, lack of co-ordination in activities.

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Faces of trafficking in Manipur Refugees from Assam at Tousem relief centre (Tamenglong) after a mass displacement due to ethnic conflicts (left) and preparation of foods (above)

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Faces of trafficking in Manipur Interaction with refugees at Tousem

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Faces of trafficking in Manipur

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Recorded data of trafficking in Manipur In 2007, 5 children were taken to Singapore from Tamenglong and Senapati district. In 2008, 22 children were taken to Chennai by a pastor from Chandel district to an unregistered home called life home and 63 children were abducted by the armed group. In 2009, 16 children were taken to Chennai from Bishnupur district and kept in a very bad condition in an unregistered orphan home called Oasis Children home. In the month of July 2009, 25 children were rescued from West Bengal from being taken to Andhra Pradesh. In the month of January 2010, 75 children were rescued from Reach home Children foundation, Moggapair Chennai and Bedesta Blessing Home, Kanyakumari district Tamil Nadu.

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In March 2010, 39 children of which 25 are boys and 12 are girls were rescued from an unregistered children home located at Madapurram Ankur post of Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. In April 2010, 27 children are rescued from an unregistered children home at Madurai. In May 2010, 4 children including 1 girl are rescued from Imphal Tulihal Airport. In June 2010, 12 children, 9 boys and 3 girls are rescued from Oasis children home, Chennai. In July 2010, 3 children are rescued from trafficking. In August 2010, 9 children are rescued from an unregistered children home situated at Bangalore. In 2011, a total of 55 trafficking cases were reported in the local newspaper. In June 2012, among 146 girls rescued from Goa, 31 are reported from Manipur. Till July 2012, 13 children and girls are reportedly rescued from traffickers. Recorded data of trafficking in Manipur

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Roles of NGOs and CBOs Advocate policies Creating awareness and sensitization training Direct victim support, counseling and assistance Community engagement and rehabilitation Coordination with media for sensitive reporting Encourage government for strong implementation and good governance 3Ps and 3Rs strategies to combat human trafficking Collaborative measures with police, criminal justice and related organizations

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Roles of Governments Enacting strong prohibitory laws and its proper implementation. Track down the nexus in co-operation with other state agencies. Fast track prosecution and testimony against the traffickers. Zero tolerance and befitting punishments against the traffickers. Establishment of anti-trafficking unit cell in all 9 districts of Manipur. Amendment of ITPA Act with strong penalties to the traffickers. Training on Juvenile Justice Act and strong law enforcing agencies. RTE Act 2009 should be implemented. Promote victim assistance supports and rehabilitation with professional counselling and health care safeguarding the privacy. Primary focus on preventive measures than repatriation and rehabilitation. Proper incentive packages and schemes for rehabilitation and reintegration.

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Conclusion An interim support and coordination among states is necessary to fight against such nexus of trafficking. Collective efforts and approaches by all stakeholders and intellectuals and integrated action on 3Ps for prevention, protection and prosecution. Deploying security forces for preventive measures rather than escorting VVIPs. Strong implementation of policies and good governance. Public awareness and quality education at remote areas. 3Rs to prevent re- trafficking. Conjoint efforts and coordination among government, stakeholders, intellectuals, NGOs, CBOs, public and media to eradicate human trafficking.

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Thank you It is time for all of us to think and to do something to save our future generation