Child trafficking in India is a severe and complex issue involving the illegal recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of children for various purposes. These purposes can include forced labor, domestic work, sexual exploitation, and even organ trafficking. Children from marginalized communities, impoverished backgrounds, and rural areas are particularly vulnerable.
Child trafficking in India involves recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring, or receiving a child for exploitation. It refers to actions that exploit children, and it’s a serious issue that needs attention. Children may be pressured into a variety of risky and/or unlawful situations, such as child soldiers, domestic work, slavery, sexual exploitation, drug transportation, and slavery.
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Child Trafficking in India
Child Trafficking is an act of illegally capturing and relocating children for sexual exploitation and forced labour. It is a form of child abuse. These children are persuaded, tricked and captured to leave their homes. Children are trafficked for many reasons and a few of them are domestic slavery, forced marriage, forced labour, theft, begging and other forms of crime. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), child labour is similar to modern-day slavery which includes work that deprives a child of his or her childhood, development and dignity. Child labour includes child trafficking.
Traffickers often deceive families with promises of better opportunities for their children, such as education or employment, only to exploit them in exploitative conditions. Additionally, the lack of proper documentation and monitoring mechanisms makes it challenging to track and prevent such trafficking.
History of Child Trafficking in India
Child trafficking in India has a long history, deeply rooted in social, economic, and cultural factors. While there is no precise timeline, instances of child trafficking in various forms have been documented for decades.
- Pre-Independence Era: Historical records suggest that child trafficking existed even before India gained independence in 1947. During this time, children were often trafficked for purposes such as forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.
- Post-Independence Period: After independence, child trafficking continued to be a problem, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of laws. Children from marginalized communities and rural areas were particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
- 1980s and 1990s: During these decades, there was a growing recognition of child trafficking as a serious issue in India. The government and NGOs began to take steps to address the problem, including the enactment of laws such as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 1986.
- 21st Century: In the 21st century, child trafficking in India has evolved with the changing times. Traffickers have adapted to new technologies and methods, making it harder to combat. The rise of the internet and social media has also created new challenges, as traffickers use these platforms to lure and exploit children.
Throughout its history, child trafficking in India has been a multifaceted issue, influenced by social, economic, and political factors. Efforts to combat child trafficking continue, but the problem persists, requiring ongoing attention and action from all stakeholders.
Child Trafficking in India Statewise
According to the NCRB report, 8 children are trafficked every day in India for reasons like sexual exploitation, labour and begging. A total of 2877 children were trafficked in the year 2021, according to the NCRB report. The report also stated that trafficking increased in India by 28% in 2021 compared to the data in 2020.
In 2019, out of all the cases reported 95% of cases were of domestic human trafficking. The children are also trafficked across the border. Children are trafficked all over India, especially near borders. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are the top three states.
Causes of Child Trafficking in India
Child trafficking in India is a complex issue with various interconnected causes. Some of the key factors contributing to child trafficking include:
- Demand for cheap labour– The need for affordable labour in the country is fulfilled by trafficking young children. They are forced to do labour and are paid reduced pay.
- Poverty- Poverty is a major factor driving child trafficking in India. Families living in poverty may be more willing to send their children away in search of work or may be deceived by traffickers offering false promises of better opportunities.
- Lack of Education– These children are deprived of their basic rights, and education. Without education, children are less likely to be aware of the risks of trafficking or their rights.
- Lack of law enforcement- There is a weak system for law enforcement and thus it is hard to combat child trafficking. Traffickers often go unpunished, allowing the cycle of trafficking to continue.
- Gender Discrimination: Girls are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to gender discrimination and a lack of opportunities. They are often trafficked for purposes such as domestic work, forced marriage, and sexual exploitation.
Laws Against Child Trafficking in India
The Indian government has implemented various laws and initiatives to prevent and combat child trafficking, such as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme. Some of the other important laws include the following:
- Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976: It abolished bonded labour to prevent the exploitation of workers. It also provides rehabilitation to freed workers.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012: It prevents commercial sexual exploitation of children.
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006: It punishes and prohibits child marriage. Child marriage and sexual abuse have seen an increasing trend after COVID-19.
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986: It prohibited employment of children below the age of 14 years. The age group of 14-18 years cannot work in hazardous working conditions.
- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956: This act stops sex work and human trafficking. The act is criticised for criminalising sex workers.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015: It is a law for children who are found to conflict with the law of India.
What are Anti-human Trafficking Units (AHTUs)?
India set up Anti-human Trafficking Units in 2007 to address the existing gaps during law enforcement response. It also ensures victim-centric resolutions. AHTUs are also tasked with developing databases on traffickers. It therefore contributes to a high degree in prevention of child trafficking in India.
Child Trafficking in India – Challenges
Child trafficking in India is a grave concern due to its wide-ranging impact on children and society as a whole. Some of the key concerns & challenges related to child trafficking in India include:
- According to statistics, 1 child goes missing every 8 minutes.
- The conviction rate is very poor. Only 10% of reported cases result in conviction.
- According to the Trafficking Report, 2022, India doesn’t meet the standards to eradicate human trafficking.
- Reluctance in seeking police help and lack of awareness.
- The witness protection framework is very weak and sometimes the victim is the witness.
- Some states do not create a fund to compensate the victims. The victims are also unaware of the compensation.
- Trafficked children are at risk of various health issues due to poor living and working conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and exposure to violence and exploitation.
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Conclusion – Child Trafficking In India
In conclusion, child trafficking in India remains a significant challenge, driven by factors such as poverty, lack of education, and demand for cheap labor. Despite the existence of laws and initiatives, effective implementation remains a key challenge. Addressing child trafficking requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership among all stakeholders.
It is crucial to raise awareness, strengthen legal frameworks, and provide support and rehabilitation services to protect the rights and well-being of trafficked children.
FAQs on Child Trafficking In India
What is the Human Trafficking Act UPSC?
Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits human trafficking and bonded labour. Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 prevents trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation
What are the laws against child trafficking in India?
The Indian government has introduced several laws against child trafficking. Some of these laws are – Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,(1956), Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, (2015), Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, etc.
Who is the biggest victim of human trafficking?
Young girls & women are the biggest victims of human trafficking in India. Out of every 10 human trafficking victims, 7 are girls or women. Boys and men are victims as well.
What are the acts related to child trafficking in India?
There are many laws related to child trafficking in India. Some of them the are Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act of 1956, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986
Which state in India has highest child trafficking?
Children are trafficked all over India, especially near borders. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are the top three states.