Context:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that all states in India appoint an “anti-human trafficking nodal officer.”
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- This nodal officer should not be below the rank of a secretary to a state government or an inspector general of police.
- This recommendation comes in response to continued prevalence of human trafficking, particularly for sexual exploitation.
- To stop this menace, the Commission has recommended that all states have an anti-human trafficking nodal officer, who shall coordinate with the government by taking effective steps and measures through the District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (DAHTU).
- The Commission has also recommended that the DAHTUs should be headed by a gazetted officer, not below the rank of a deputy SP.
Significance of Nodal Officers:
- Improved Coordination: Dedicated nodal officers will facilitate better coordination between various government departments involved in combating human trafficking.
- Centralized Efforts: Nodal officers will create a centralized point of contact for tackling trafficking at the state level.
Expected Benefits:
- Enhanced Prevention: More effective implementation of anti-trafficking laws and policies.
- Improved Victim Rescue: Swifter response to trafficking incidents and better victim identification.
- Increased Rehabilitation: Streamlined support for rescued victims, including medical care, legal assistance, and rehabilitation programs.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India.
It’s a statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Function: The NHRC acts as a watchdog for human rights in India. It investigates complaints of human rights violations by both state and non-state actors.
District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (DAHTUs)
- DAHTUs are specialized police units established at the district level in India to combat human trafficking.
- They were set up under a comprehensive scheme, as notified by the Union Home Ministry.
Funding:
- The Government of India provides financial assistance to states for setting up and strengthening DAHTUs under the “Nirbhaya Fund,” named after the Delhi gangrape victim.
Challenges to Consider:
- Implementation: Ensuring all states effectively appoint and empower nodal officers.
- Resource Constraints: Providing adequate resources (training, staff, budget) for nodal officers to function efficiently.
Anti-Human Trafficking Initiatives in India
- National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons (2016): This government plan outlines strategies for prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation. It focuses on law enforcement, victim support, awareness campaigns, and inter-governmental collaboration.
- ITPA 1956: India’s primary legislation against sex trafficking is the 1956 Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, which criminalises acts like brothel keeping and profiting from prostitution.
- Conventions: India tackles human trafficking through both regional and international agreements. It has ratified the SAARC convention focusing on women and children for prostitution and the UN’s anti-trafficking protocol within a broader organised crime convention.
- Anti-Trafficking Cells: Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Women and Child Development to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts at national and state levels.
- Ujjawala Scheme: A central government scheme for victim assistance, providing financial and legal aid and shelter for rescued victims.
- Central Advisory Committee: Advises the government on formulating and implementing anti-trafficking policies.