Understanding The Complex Web Of Child Trafficking In India

KEY TAKEAWAYS

5. Understanding child trafficking.
5. Statistical data regarding the cases of child trafficking
5. Reasons of child trafficking in India
5. Laws regarding child trafficking
5. How can the cases of child trafficking be reduced?

INTRODUCTION

Child trafficking is a deeply disturbing and pervasive issue, not only in India but across the globe. It is a grave violation of human rights and deprives children of their childhood, safety, and dignity.

Child trafficking is a form of human trafficking and is define by the United Nation as the transportation, transfer, harbouring and receipt of persons below the age of 18 years, within or across borders, legally or illegally.

As, per Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, any individual who engages in the act of importing, exporting, relocating, purchasing, selling or discarding another person as if they were a slave; or forcibly accepts, receives or detains an individual against their will as a slave will be subject to imprisonment, for a duration of seven years. Additionally, they may also be required to pay a fine.

The Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act 1956, this is a primary law deals with issues of human trafficking in India.

India, with its vast and diverse population, faces particular challenges when it comes to combating child trafficking.

CHILD TRAFFICKING IN INDIA:

In India, child trafficking is regarded as the third-biggest crime after narcotics and arms trafficking, and according to the International Labor Organization, it is the second-largest and fastest-growing criminal sector in the world. Over 77 thousand children in India were reported missing in 2021, a startlingly high amount. The fact that this number shows an increase over the previous year is alarming. Numerous of these incidents almost certainly have a direct connection to the problems of underage labor and human trafficking.

15 children go missing in India every hour, according to research, and 8 of them are never discovered. A report from the NHRC of India claims that 40 000 children are kidnapped every year, although this is a record for the government. The actual figure is significantly greater.

Sexual exploitation is the primary cause of child trafficking, as it accounts for 80% of all cases, and India is the world's largest hub for this crime. Children are sold for child pornography and child prostitution within the context of child trafficking.

WHY DOES CHILD TRAFFICKING HAPPEN IN INDIA?

There are many dimensions to the pressing issue of child trafficking like socio-economic, cultural, and legal dimensions. The complex factors that contribute to child trafficking in India are as follows-

1. Poverty and Economic Disparities

India is a country marked by extreme economic disparities. While it boasts a growing middle class and a burgeoning tech industry, millions of people still live in abject poverty. Poverty often serves as a breeding ground for child trafficking, as desperate families may resort to selling their children as a means of survival. The lack of access to education and healthcare further exacerbates this problem, making vulnerable families easy targets for traffickers.

2. Lack of Education

A significant proportion of India's population lacks access to quality education. Illiteracy and lack of awareness about the consequences of child trafficking make it easier for traffickers to deceive parents and children alike. Children who are uneducated are more likely to fall victim to trafficking schemes and exploitation.

3. High Demand for Child Labor

India's informal labor sector often relies on child labor, which is both exploitative and illegal. The demand for cheap and easily manipulated labor creates a market for traffickers. Children from impoverished backgrounds are often forced into hazardous work conditions, making them vulnerable to trafficking.

4. Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination remains deeply entrenched in Indian society, and girls are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. The preference for male children, coupled with the dowry system and early marriage customs, puts girls at a higher risk of being trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or marriage.

5. Lack of Effective Legislation and Enforcement

India has a framework of laws and regulations to combat child trafficking, but enforcement remains a significant challenge. Inconsistent implementation of laws, lack of resources, and a sluggish judicial system contribute to a climate where traffickers can evade justice.

6. Cultural Factors

Certain cultural practices, such as child marriage and the caste system, contribute to child trafficking. Child marriage, in particular, increases the vulnerability of young girls to trafficking for forced marriage and sexual exploitation.

7. Lack of Public Awareness

A lack of public awareness about the intricacies of child trafficking and the signs to look for makes it challenging to prevent and combat this crime effectively. Increased awareness campaigns and education can go a long way in addressing this issue.

COUNTERING CHILD TRAFFICKING

 Some critical measures to prevent this social evil in India are-

• Foster the spread of education

The largest educational system in the world is in place in India, but low enrollment and high dropout rates have resulted in poor literacy, which leaves people with low self-esteem and little opportunities. Con artists are adept at convincing uneducated parents to send their kids to the city for a better life—a strategy regularly employed in human trafficking. Education-educated kids and their families are a lot more developed, knowledgeable, and capable of comprehending the dangers of child trafficking. A culture where human traffickers cannot thrive is created by educators who have empathy and understanding and who assist students and parents in finding opportunities for career growth and jobs.

• Raising awareness among communities and parents

Traffickers could be able to profit from circumstances brought on by ignorance. Many of India's underprivileged youth fall victim to drug abuse, which might eventually result in human trafficking. Communities with access to education are better prepared to understand the many strategies used by child traffickers to attract victims and to take the necessary countermeasures.

• Strict laws in place to prevent child trafficking

To reform, good policies must be made. The numerous cases presented under the current Protection of Children Against Sexual Offenses Act (2012) and Immoral Traffic (Prevention Act), which have effectively led to more convictions, demonstrate that legislation may curb child trafficking.

LAWS PROHIBITTING CHILD TRAFFICKING

Child trafficking violates essential constitutional rights, including those to freedom (Article 19), life (Article 21), education (Article 22-A), and protection from exploitation (Article 23), according to the Indian constitution.

'Traffic in Human Beings' and Forced Labor are prohibited. The first portion of Article 23(1) of the Constitution outlaws forced labor, beggaring, and other related kinds of human trafficking. Any violation of this clause, according to the second section of this article, constitutes an offense subject to legal sanctions. preventing children from working in factories, etc.

Sections 370 and 370A, which outline comprehensive measures to combat the menace of human trafficking, including the trafficking of children for any form of exploitation, including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs, replaced Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code in 2013.

CONCLUSION

Child trafficking in India is a multifaceted issue deeply rooted in socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors. To combat this problem, a holistic approach is necessary, addressing poverty, education, gender discrimination, and the demand for child labor and sexual exploitation. Strengthening legislation, improving enforcement, and providing support and rehabilitation services for survivors are essential steps toward eradicating child trafficking in India. Additionally, raising public awareness and fostering a sense of community responsibility can help protect vulnerable children and ensure that they have the opportunity to lead safe and fulfilling lives. The fight against child trafficking in India is a complex one, but with concerted effort and collaboration, it is a battle that can and must be won.