Nagaland joined the world in observing “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” on July 29 under the theme, “Reach Every Woman of Trafficking: Leave No One Behind”.
Wokha: Wokha district observed “World Day Against Trafficking in Person” by organising a programme at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Wokha with additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Wokha, K. Soriso as the theme speaker.
According to a DIPR report, addressing the gathering, Soriso defined human trafficking as the transfer, harbouring or transportation of people through force, fraud or deception with the aim of exploiting them for profit.
Highlighting the trafficking scenario in Nagaland, Soriso said a person goes missing every fourth day and that out of the 87 cases of missing person registered the past years- 2017 to 2019 from different district across Nagaland, 83% were below the age of 18 years.
He also underscored the importance of awareness through institutional capacity, training of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges, and drafting of relevant legislation and strengthening anti-trafficking elements.
Short speeches were also delivered by representatives from Lotha Eloe Hoho and other civil societies organisations. Keynote address was delivered by SDO (C) Nuhuta Tunyi, the function was chaired by case worker OSC, Thungbeni Kikon while vote of thanks was delivered by DCM, DHEW, Dr. Wonchano Enny.
Kohima: Kohima District Administration in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Kohima, Sakhi- One Stop Centre (OSC), Kohima and the District Child Protection Office (DCPO), Kohima in commemoration of the “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” under “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” held a programme at Midland Panchayat Hall on July 28.
Delivering the keynote address, SDO (Civil), Kohima, Nockpai Konyak emphasised on the need to create mass awareness on the issue of human trafficking. He also urged the public to be alert to prevent such cases from happening in the society.
In a talk on the POCSO Act, Child Care and Protection legal cum probation officer, DCPU, Kohima, Megoneituo Kielienyu elaborated on the various provisions under the POCSO Act like sexual exploitation and punishments and also emphasized on the child protective services in Nagaland like Childline.
Speaking on the issue of trafficking against women and children in Nagaland, case worker, OSC, Kohima, Repabenla Longkumer explained in brief the different types of human trafficking. She informed that OSC has so far dealt with 28 cases of human trafficking. She lamented that because of the customary courts most cases were not registered.
The programme was chaired by gender specialist, DHEW, Kohima, Vikeduozo Sorhie while the vote of thanks was delivered by vice- chairman, Midland Colony, Tsau Paphino.
The day was also commemorated at the Nagaland Police Headquarters, Kohima.
At the event, chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, W. Nginyeih Konyak delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the significance of the day. She mentioned that similar meetings were taking place in the UN and Europe to mark the occasion.
The chairperson also shed light on how conflicts, humanitarian crises, socio-economic inequalities, and climate change further exacerbate the risks of trafficking worldwide. Even in Nagaland, disadvantaged individuals, including children and females, have been vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking for ages.
Narola Sophie DIGP also addressed the audience, focusing on the causes, effects, strategies employed by traffickers, and challenges faced in tackling human trafficking. She said that human trafficking was the fastest-growing crime globally, with Nagaland facing numerous cases, although many incidents go unreported due to victims’ fear of stigmatization and hassles with the reporting process.
The event featured presentations on Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti, delivered by Renchumi Imti programme manager SARA, and Lanurenla Imchen Women Helpline 181 Manager.
Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, SHEW Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Nagaland Police collaborated to organize the event.
Phek: Phek district observed World Day Against Trafficking in Person at DC Office conference hall, Phek on July 29.
The event was organised by district administration, District Hub for empowerment of Women, Phek in collaboration with One stop Centre Phek, District Legal services authority, District Child Protection Unit and Police department Phek.
Additional Superintendent of Police Phek, Honkin Chang encouraged the participants to sensitized everyone on human trafficking and requested the public to be aware and cautious of trafficking and to report the matter to the police if any such incidents occurred.
Centre Administrator OSC Phek, Jitsiasa Nyusou highlighted the availability of services and support given to victims of trafficking. Povezo Puro DCPO Phek shared the POCSO, JJA Relating to children in need of care and protection.
Vethothi Vero, Retainer Lawyer spoke on immoral trafficking (Prevention) Act 1956,Nagaland State victim Compensation Scheme 2012 relating to victims of human trafficking and role and functions of legal services authority to assist victims of human trafficking. The program was chaired by District Mission Coordinator, DHEW Phek, Vilenuo K. Thisa and invocation by Thepfuneizo Yhor pastor, Angami Baptist Church.