Course Title: Human Rights

Topic: Human Trafficking in India

Submitted to: Mam Iqra Adeel
Submitted by: Daniel Tanveer
Class: BS English (4rd Semester Evening B)
Roll No: BSENGEB-21-89
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is defined and addressed by international and national laws to provide a
comprehensive framework for combating this crime and protecting the rights of victims. Here is
a detailed explanation of human trafficking as defined by international and national laws:

International Definition:
The United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially
Women and Children (also known as the Palermo Protocol) serves as the international legal
framework for addressing human trafficking. It supplements the United Nations Convention
against Transnational Organized Crime.

According to the Palermo Protocol, human trafficking is defined as: "The recruitment,
transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threat, use of force or other
forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of
vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a
person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation."

National Definitions:
Individual countries also have their own legislation to address human trafficking based on the
international standards outlined in the Palermo Protocol. For example, in India, the Immoral
Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) defines and criminalizes human trafficking for the
purpose of sexual exploitation.

National definitions may vary slightly in their wording and specific provisions, but they
generally align with the international definition and encompass the key elements of recruitment,
transportation, harbouring, or receipt of individuals through means of force, fraud, or coercion
for the purpose of exploitation.

The specific forms of exploitation covered under national laws may include forced labour, sexual
exploitation, forced marriage, child trafficking, organ trafficking, or other forms of exploitation
recognized by the respective country's legal framework.

Forms Of Human Trafficking in India

Human trafficking in India encompasses various forms of exploitation. Here are the prevalent
forms of trafficking in the country:

Forced Labour:
Forced labour, also known as bonded labour or debt bondage, is a significant form of human
trafficking in India. Individuals, often from marginalized communities, are lured or coerced into
labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, brick kilns, textile
factories, and mining. They are subjected to harsh working conditions, physical abuse, and long
hours with little or no pay, trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation.

Sexual Exploitation:
Trafficking for sexual exploitation is another prevalent form of human trafficking in India.
Victims, predominantly women and girls, are trafficked within the country or across borders for
the purpose of forced prostitution, pornography, or other forms of sexual exploitation. They are
often deceived, coerced, or abducted and subjected to physical and sexual violence, while their
freedom and dignity are severely violated.

Child Trafficking:
Child trafficking is a grave concern in India, involving the abduction, recruitment, or sale of
children for various exploitative purposes. Children are trafficked for forced labour, domestic
servitude, sexual exploitation, forced begging, child marriage, adoption scams, and involvement
in criminal activities such as trafficking drugs or engaging in illicit activities. Children from
vulnerable backgrounds, street children, and those from impoverished communities are at high
risk.

Organ Trafficking:
Organ trafficking involves the illegal trade and transplantation of organs, exploiting vulnerable
individuals who may willingly or unknowingly participate. Victims, often from marginalized
communities or impoverished backgrounds, are coerced, deceived, or forced to sell their organs,
including kidneys, for transplantation. Organ trafficking networks operate both domestically and
across borders, taking advantage of the high demand for organs and the limited availability of
legal organ donations.

Other Forms of Exploitation:

While forced labour, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and organ trafficking are the most
prevalent forms, human trafficking in India also extends to other forms of exploitation. These
may include forced marriage, child labour, child soldiers, forced begging, forced criminal
activities, and trafficking for purposes such as forced surrogacy, camel jockeying, or illegal
adoption.

Statistical Overview
Human trafficking is a clandestine crime, making it challenging to obtain precise data on its
magnitude and prevalence. However, available statistics and studies provide insights into the
scale of human trafficking in India. Here is a statistical overview:
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data:
In 2019, a total of 5,466 cases related to human trafficking were reported in India.

Of these cases, 4,140 cases were related to trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and 987
cases were related to trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The remaining cases included trafficking for purposes such as begging, marriage, and organ
trade.

Additionally, 3,397 cases were registered under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, which
specifically addresses trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Data:

According to the NHRC, there were an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 women and children in
commercial sexual exploitation in India as of 2016.

It is important to note that these figures may not capture the full extent of human trafficking, as
many cases go unreported or unrecognized.

Global Slavery Index 2018:

According to the Global Slavery Index, India has the highest number of individuals living in
conditions of modern slavery in the world.

The report estimated that there were approximately 8 million people living in modern slavery in
India in 2018, which includes various forms of exploitation, including human trafficking.

High-Risk Regions in India

Several regions in India are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to various socio-
economic factors. These regions often experience high levels of poverty, lack of education,
social exclusion, and other vulnerabilities that make individuals more susceptible to trafficking.
Here are some high-risk regions:

Source States in Eastern India:

Bihar: Bihar is one of the poorest states in India with limited access to education and
employment opportunities. Its proximity to Nepal and porous borders make it a source, transit,
and destination for trafficking.

West Bengal: The Sundarbans region and districts bordering Bangladesh in West Bengal are
vulnerable to trafficking due to poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and geographical
factors.
Source States in Northern India:
Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and experiences high levels of
poverty, illiteracy, and social marginalization. Districts like Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad are
known for trafficking incidents.

Rajasthan: Poverty, low literacy rates, and a large migrant population make Rajasthan
susceptible to trafficking. The districts of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur have reported high
trafficking cases.

Source and Transit States in Northeast India:

Assam: Assam is a source and transit state for human trafficking. Poverty, insurgency issues, and
its location near the India-Bangladesh border contribute to trafficking vulnerabilities.

Manipur and Mizoram: These states, located near the India-Myanmar border, are vulnerable to
trafficking due to economic disparities, lack of development, and cross-border trafficking
networks.

Metropolitan Cities and Urban Centres:

Delhi: The capital city of India, Delhi, is a major hub for trafficking. High population density,
migration, and the presence of informal labour markets make it a hotspot for trafficking for
forced labour and sexual exploitation.

Mumbai: As a major commercial and entertainment hub, Mumbai attracts a large influx of
migrants seeking employment. The city has reported cases of trafficking for forced labor, sex
trafficking, and child trafficking.

Border States and Transnational Routes:

States bordering Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar: States such as West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar
Pradesh, and the North-eastern states, due to their proximity to international borders, are
vulnerable to cross-border trafficking.

Vulnerable Groups Targeted by Traffickers:

Women:

Women are disproportionately targeted by traffickers, especially for sexual exploitation. Gender-
based discrimination, limited opportunities, and societal norms contribute to their vulnerability.

Children:
 Children, due to their innocence and dependence, are highly vulnerable to trafficking. They are
trafficked for various purposes, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involvement in
criminal activities.

Migrants:

Migrants, both internal and cross-border, face heightened vulnerability to trafficking. Their
precarious socio-economic situation, lack of social support, and limited knowledge of their rights
make them easy targets.

Marginalized Communities:

Marginalized communities, such as Dalits and Adivasis, are at higher risk of trafficking.
Discrimination, lack of access to resources, and social exclusion contribute to their vulnerability.

Causes of Human Trafficking in India:

Poverty and Economic Disparities:

Poverty and economic inequalities create a vulnerable population desperate for better
opportunities, making them more susceptible to trafficking.

Lack of access to education, formal employment, and basic services increases the likelihood of
individuals taking risks for the promise of a better life, making them easy targets for traffickers.

Gender Inequality and Discrimination:

Gender-based discrimination and societal norms perpetuate the trafficking of women and girls.

Women face limited opportunities for education and economic empowerment due to patriarchal
attitudes, unequal power dynamics, and violence against women, making them more vulnerable
to exploitation.

Social Exclusion and Lack of Education:

Social exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination based on caste, ethnicity, or religion

increase vulnerability to trafficking.

Lack of social support, limited access to resources, and discrimination hinder individuals' ability
to protect themselves from trafficking schemes, especially when coupled with a lack of
education.

Migration and Trafficking Routes:

Migration patterns and trafficking routes intersect, making migrants more vulnerable to
trafficking.
Displacement, seeking better economic prospects, and fleeing conflict or disasters expose
migrants to exploitation, as traffickers take advantage of their unfamiliarity with new
environments, language barriers, and limited social networks.

Impacts of Human Trafficking in India:

Human rights violations: Trafficking victims endure severe human rights violations, including
physical and emotional abuse, forced labor, and sexual exploitation, leading to a loss of
autonomy and dignity.

Health consequences: Trafficked individuals suffer from physical injuries, sexually transmitted
infections, substance abuse, and mental health issues due to the trauma and abuse they endure.

Social stigma and isolation: Survivors face social stigma and isolation, making it challenging for
them to reintegrate into society and access support systems.

Economic consequences: Trafficking perpetuates cycles of poverty as victims and their families
experience economic exploitation and struggle to regain financial stability.

Loss of education and future opportunities: Trafficked children and youth often face disruptions
in their education, limiting their prospects for a better future.

Measures Taken by the Indian Government:

Legislative framework:

The Indian government has enacted key legislation, including the Immoral Traffic (Prevention)
Act and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, to address different forms of trafficking and
provide legal recourse for victims.

National Anti-Trafficking Task Force:

The establishment of the National Anti-Trafficking Task Force aims to coordinate and monitor
anti-trafficking efforts across various government agencies and stakeholders.

Victim support and rehabilitation: The government has implemented initiatives to provide
comprehensive support services to survivors, including shelters, healthcare, counselling, and
vocational training.

Awareness and sensitization:

Awareness campaigns and programs are conducted to educate the public, law enforcement, and
other relevant stakeholders about the issue of human trafficking.
International cooperation: The government collaborates with international organizations and
neighbouring countries to enhance cooperation, share information, and combat cross-border
trafficking.

Challenges and Roadblocks in Combating Human Trafficking:

Lack of awareness and reporting: Limited awareness about trafficking and underreporting of
cases hinder the identification and response to trafficking incidents.

Inadequate legal framework:

There are gaps in the existing legal framework, necessitating stronger laws and improved
implementation to effectively combat trafficking.

Weak law enforcement and judiciary: Challenges such as capacity-building, training,

coordination, and corruption within law enforcement agencies and the judiciary impede effective
prosecution of traffickers.

Cross-border challenges:

The transnational nature of trafficking poses complexities in terms of jurisdiction, cooperation,

and coordination among different countries and law enforcement agencies.

Economic and social factors: Deep-rooted economic disparities, social norms, and gender
inequalities contribute to the persistence of trafficking, necessitating comprehensive approaches
to address these underlying factors.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving legislative reforms,

capacity-building, increased awareness, stronger law enforcement, victim-centric support
services, and collaborations with international partners.

Conclusion
In conclusion, human trafficking is a grave issue that affects various vulnerable groups in India,
including women, children, migrants, and marginalized communities. This assignment has
highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by these groups and the factors that contribute to
their susceptibility to trafficking.

Poverty, gender inequality, social exclusion, and migration patterns intersect with trafficking
routes, making individuals more vulnerable to exploitation. The Indian government has
implemented measures to address human trafficking, but challenges remain.

To combat this heinous crime, it is essential to focus on poverty alleviation, gender equality,
education, and social inclusion. Targeted interventions, strong legal frameworks, and
collaboration between stakeholders are crucial to protect vulnerable groups, raise awareness, and
provide support to survivors.

By working together, we can create a society where the rights and dignity of all individuals are
upheld, and human trafficking becomes a thing of the past. It is our collective responsibility to
ensure a safer and more just future for everyone.