Dr. P.M. Nair, former Director General of Police, NDRF, expressed concern over the worsening problem of human trafficking due to advancements in technology. He pointed out that traffickers are increasingly using the internet to connect and exploit victims, particularly vulnerable children. However, he also mentioned positive examples like Mizoram’s Cyberdome, which demonstrates how technology can be used to fight against human trafficking.
The workshop on the theme “Voice for Changes: Uniting to Restore Human Dignity” was organized by the Anti-Human Trafficking Club (AHTC), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), PG Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, in collaboration with Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra, Bendur. The event aimed to address the issue of human trafficking and explore ways to restore human dignity.
During the workshop, Dr. Nair discussed the rules and laws concerning trafficking, explaining how they work to prevent and punish trafficking. Paul G Aquinas, Professor of Social Work at Mangaluru University, shared his experience in taking up projects related to human trafficking in Mangaluru. He emphasized the importance of social activists and students of social work in combating human trafficking.
Gururaj, a police inspector from Mangaluru South Police Station, shared his experiences of handling cases related to human trafficking and the significance of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by the police department before the implementation of the act.
The workshop also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the School of Social Work and Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra. This MoU aims to foster mutual academic pursuits, including extension services, outreach programs, skill development, training, and research in related areas.
Various individuals and organizations were present during the event, including Meera Mathew, President of Amrat Talitha Kum India, Jacinta D’Souza, former principal of the institution, Prof Evelyn Benis, Secretary of the Institute of Social Services, Colin D’Souza, Director of Family Service Agency, Niketh P S, Assistant Professor of the Criminology and Forensic Science Department, and Amra, student coordinator of AHTC, among others.
In the presidential address, Jenis Mary, Vice-Principal of the School of Social Work, emphasized the importance of providing care and protection to children in need. She also shared her experience of participating in an anti-human trafficking training program in Hyderabad and commended the efforts of the workshop’s organizing team. She acknowledged the support provided by Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra and assured the institution’s collaborative work.
The workshop shed light on the increasing problem of human trafficking due to technology but also showcased how technology can be employed as a powerful tool to combat this crime. It emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and support from various stakeholders in order to restore human dignity and eradicate human trafficking.
