The world’s largest international police organization, the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO), also known as Interpol, has recently executed an extensive operation called Operation Storm Makers II. This significant effort has shed light upon a rapidly growing network involving schemes related to human trafficking fraud. The operation encouraged the participation of law enforcement agencies from 27 countries across Asia and several other regions, aiming to target human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Key Highlights and Outcomes of Operation Storm Makers II
The operation resulted in the arrest of 281 individuals across multiple countries on multiple charges including human trafficking, passport forgery, corruption, telecommunications fraud, and sexual exploitation. It led to the rescue of 149 human trafficking victims, instigating over 360 investigations, with a substantial number still being vigorously pursued by law enforcement agencies.
One notable case involved the Telangana police, who registered one of India’s first cases of human trafficking for the purposes of coercing victims into committing cyber fraud. Interpol is committed to collaborating with police forces internationally in efforts to make the world safer. India, having joined Interpol in 1949, is one of its oldest members.
The Current State of Human Trafficking in India
Human trafficking involves the illegal trade and exploitation of people, typically being used for forced labour, sexual exploitation, or involuntary servitude. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 6,500 victims of human trafficking were identified in India in 2022, with women and girls comprising 60% of this number.
India has constitutional and legislative provisions against trafficking such as Article 23 which prohibits human trafficking, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and many others, targeting the menace from various angles.
International Legislation Against Human Trafficking
India has ratified international conventions like the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime, which includes a specific protocol addressing trafficking in persons, especially women and children. The Criminal Law Amendment Act was enacted in 2013 to align with the provisions of this protocol, providing a more precise definition of human trafficking. India has also ratified the SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1993.
Understanding Causes and Impacts of Human Trafficking
The drivers of human trafficking are multifaceted and include economic disparities, lack of education and awareness, areas affected by conflict, social marginalization and discrimination, demand for cheap labour, and online exploitation.
The victims suffer severe psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and a sense of betrayal. They also suffer physical abuse and neglect, leading to various health complications. Victims lose their freedom and basic human rights, and often live in constant fear, subjected to control and exploitation. Even after being rescued, survivors face social stigma and ostracization, making it challenging to reintegrate into society.
The Way Forward: Measures to Tackle Human Trafficking
Preventing human trafficking requires comprehensive education and awareness programs, effective and consistent enforcement of existing laws, and strengthening legislation. It should also include providing better protection for victims, adequate resources, and training for law enforcement agencies.
Comprehensive victim-centered support systems should be established, providing shelter, healthcare, counseling, and vocational training for survivors.
At the international level, countries should work together, sharing information, intelligence, and best practices for effective cross-border cooperation. They should ratify and implement international conventions and protocols aimed at combating human trafficking.
Addressing root causes of trafficking is also crucial, this includes poverty, economic disparities, social discrimination and marginalization. Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting inclusivity and equality, and building social support structures can go a long way in preventing instances of human trafficking.