Report says India could do better in combatting trafficking despite some improvements

For the seventh consecutive year, an internationally recognised people trafficking report stated that India’s Government does not have sufficient measures in place to reduce the current and potential levels of human trafficking within its country.

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report is undertaken annually by the US, with the consent of the UN and its member states. The report monitors countries’ compliance to agreed minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. The 2010 report was released by the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, last Monday.

Stating that India remains a source and transit country for human trafficking, the report largely outlined the insufficient progress made by the Indian Government in its law enforcement, protection and prevention efforts to address trafficking. With 90% of trafficking staying internal to India and mostly impacting the poorest within society, the report outlined a number of recommendations required to meet those minimum standards.

Some progress in combatting trafficking

While the report did not specifically speak about the Dalit people, instead referring to those most at risk of trafficking as those in the ‘most disadvantaged social economic strata’, the human rights organisation, Dalit Freedom Network UK (DFN UK) welcomed the report. DFN UK particularly valued how it highlighted the significant progress made by individual states. The state of Andhra Pradesh, where DFN UK and its partners are implementing a large proportion of their anti-trafficking programme, was mentioned several times for its successes in 2009.

While much still needs to be done regarding India’s biggest trafficking issue, bonded labour, Andhra Pradesh together with the state of Maharashtra dramatically improved their law enforcement efforts against sex trafficking. During the reporting period the state of Maharashtra secured 8 convictions of sex traffickers and rescued 22 children and 8 adults. Andhra Pradesh secured 55 convictions of sex traffickers and “customers”.

Also, despite the reported inconsistent and inadequate delivery of national Government resources to trafficking victims, Andhra Pradesh state’s Department of Women and Child Development was noted for disbursing over $10,000 in interim relief to 48 sex trafficking victims during 2009.

Sattaru Umapathi singled out for praise

Additionally, one of 2010’s nine TIP Report global heroes also came from Andhra Pradesh. Sattaru Umapathi, an anti-human trafficking officer of the Crime Investigation Department was recognised for his personal contribution to combating human trafficking in India. Umapathi has worked closely with DFN UK’s Indian partners, Operation Mercy India Foundation, in bringing anti-trafficking cases to the police.

Joseph D’souza, International President of Dalit Freedom Network said, “The TIP report is an important indicator of the progress countries are making to eliminate trafficking. While India maintains its Tier 2 Watch List rating, the report shows positive signs that the country is moving in the right direction.  DFN UK sees the report and its recommendations as providing crucial guidance on how best to align their anti-trafficking programme with the Indian Government for a consistent, high impact and sustainable approach.”