Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today said that his government is determined to make sure that traffickers do not get refuge in Goa and victims find protection, justice and hope.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was addressing the gathering after inauguration of International Consultation to Combat Sex Trafficking.
“Sadly women often find themselves victimised by this illicite trade. This must end. Goa government is determined to make sure that traffickers do not get refuge in Goa and victims find protection, justice and hope,” said Sawant
He further said that in Goa, the safe protection and empowerment of women remain central to his government.
“We have introduced key initiatives to combat not only sex trafficking but also other forms of violence against women,” he said
Sawant also said that his govenment is focused on rescueing every victim without bias and dicrimination ensuring that they receive immediate care and long term support.
“This must end as we celebrate our nation’s progress in empowering Nari Shakti. Law alone is not enough. It’s our responsibility as leaders, citizens, and as a community to ensure rigorous enforcement and, most importantly, to create an environment where such exploitation cannot thrive in Goa,” Goa CM added
More than 8,000 cases of human trafficking were reported in India in 2016, while 23,000 victims, including 182 foreigners, were rescued during the year, according to National Crime Records Bureau data.
According to the rate of crime (cases reported per one lakh population), West Bengal retained the first position in 2016 followed by Union territories Daman and Diu (7) and Goa (18). Daman and Diu otherwise ranks 24, while Goa 18.
A total 23,117 human trafficking victims were rescued during 2016, with the police saving, on an average, 63 people a day.
While 22,932 of those rescued were Indian citizens, 38 were Sri Lankans and as many Nepalis. Thirty-three of the foreigners rescued were identified as Bangladeshis, while 73 from ‘other countries’, including Thailand and Uzbekistan, the NCRB data stated.
As many as 14,183 of the victims rescued in 2016 were below the age of 18 years, it said.
Human trafficking, prohibited under Article 23 (1) of the Constitution, includes forced labour, sexual exploitation or prostitution, domestic servitude, forced marriage, begging, adoption, child pornography and organ transplant.
