Plea to spread awareness on child trafficking

ALLAHABAD: Women activists have a serious view on child trafficking and want to spread awareness to prevent it. The activists who shared ideas during a conference on `Role of women activist and community in prevention of child trafficking' at Nirala Art Gallery organised by Child Line, Allahabad, have emphasised on three A's - aware, arise and action.
The activists talked about the reasons, possible remedies, and preventive steps as also the laws on child trafficking. Rajneesh from Child Line spoke about the reasons for child trafficking. He cited poverty and vulnerability as two main causes for the same. Parents and children are allured with food items, toys and clothes. ���Promises of a bright future for the child are made and many families especially where there are no elders believe them and send their children,��� he added.
The recent case of a women residing in Mutthiganj here, ill-treating a 12-yr-old girl was discussed. She had brought the girl from Basti after promising good education, loving care and protection to her family. Instead she used to abuse the little girl physically and also did not allow her to move out of the house. The girl was rescued by Child Line when a neighbour informed of her plight. An FIR was lodged against the lady. Similarly, eight children in the age of 8-13, from Kausambi, were rescued from the clutches of an agent who was taking them to work in a bangle factory in Jodhpur. The agent was caught by the GRP and an FIR has been lodged against him.
But why should this happen? Instead of rescue and FIR, why not ensure that no child is trafficked by striking at the root cause? questioned Indira Swaroop, associated with All India Women's Conference. "We have to spread awareness. We need to tell parents that they should not send their child with anyone, even relatives, without making sure that they are not going to abuse the child in any way," added Mamta Gupta.
Noted social activist Deepika Varki stressed on the need to generate a respect for oneself. "It is important that we teach people to respect themselves. A financially weak person is suppressed by the society. Slowly, he gets so oppressed that he loses his self-respect and hence unable to follow his values and stand for his rights. We need to educate women to teach their children to live with dignity and respect. We should take help from the older generation to spread awareness on child rights," she said.
Meenakshi Srivastava, coordinator, Mahila Samakhaya, said that child trafficking issues need to be addressed in 400 districts all over the country. Today, parents are not spending time with their children. They are allured by strangers and even by relatives, who take advantage of their innocence. Parents need to educate their children on these issues. "If there is a child being abused anywhere in the vicinity, then we should come forward and help without hesitation. Numerous laws have been framed for the same," said Nandita Adaval, a lawyer.
Manju Mahanada appealed the women activists to stop child trafficking with three A's -- Aware, Arise and Action. KK Rai spoke about various laws to save children from abuse and the actions needed to prevent child trafficking. He enumerated ways through which women activists can play an active role and save children from being trafficked and abused. "Do not let children from your village be taken without proper information. Talk to the parents of the child. Make them aware of the scenario on child trafficking. Also, as and when needed, contact governmental community awareness teams and call for help from Child Line," declared Rai.