Addressing Child Trafficking in India

Summary of Key Facts and Issues on Human Trafficking in India

Context and Statistics:

• Devika, a trafficking victim from Bihar, reflects a broader issue of human trafficking in India, where victims, often lured by false job promises, are subjected to exploitation.
• Global & National Data:
  • The 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report identified 102,027 victims globally in 2024, with only 7,975 convictions (approx. 1 conviction per 13 victims).
  • India's National Crime Records Bureau reported 2,135 trafficking cases in 2024 involving 6,018 victims, including 2,297 children.
  • Many cases remain unaccounted due to their association with other laws like child labor or forced marriages.

Legal Framework:

• Trafficking is seen as a multi-faceted crime involving recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of persons for exploitation, aligning with the UN Protocol against Trafficking.
• Various Indian laws address trafficking:
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
  • Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) includes sections mandating reporting of trafficking (Sections 33 and 34).

Judicial Interventions:

• Supreme Court Judgments:
  • Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh: Established rights for survivors including compensation and education readmission.
  • Prajwala v. Union of India: Emphasized the necessity of victim protection plans.

Policy Recommendations and Gaps:

• Calls for a unified law covering prevention, protection, and prosecution to streamline efforts against trafficking.
• The need for a whole-of-government and society approach, requiring active involvement from local communities, law enforcement, judiciary, and other stakeholders.
• Educational institutions should proactively report absenteeism to prevent disappearances.

Economic and Social Considerations:

• Trafficking is linked to economic vulnerabilities, indicating that welfare entitlements must reach families to prevent exploitation.
• Children need comprehensive support for recovery, including education, skill development, and access to welfare schemes.
• Emphasis on the economic aspects of trafficking; dismantling networks and addressing demand are critical to combat these crimes effectively.

International Collaboration:

• Trafficking is characterized as a borderless crime necessitating international cooperation on intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and legal assistance.
• A proposed international registry of convicted traffickers to prevent repeat offenses across borders.

Key Takeaways for Addressing Trafficking:

• Address the issue as an organized crime with comprehensive strategies for prevention, legal reform, and victim support.
• Foster community engagement in reporting and protecting vulnerable populations.
• Ensure timely judicial responses to hold traffickers accountable and support the reintegration of survivors.

This summary highlights the critical aspects of human trafficking in India, emphasizing the legal, social, and economic frameworks necessary to combat this ongoing crisis effectively.