Kohima, May 27 (MExN): With the aim to sensitize and hold comprehensive discussion with judicial officers and police, ‘Judicial Colloquium on Human Trafficking’ was organizedby Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench in association with Ministry of Home Affairs, CS and Department of Law and Justice Nagaland at the conference hall Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on May 27.
Delivering keynote address, Justice Songkhupchung Serto, Portfolio Judge, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench urged the police and judges to adopt reformative measures and change the paradigm for integration of person in distress as someone who will contribute to society.
Speaking on ‘law-court practices relating to sex trafficking-law/court practices relating to labour exploitation and juvenile justice’, KPA Illyas, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dimapur urged police personal to develop good intelligence and monitor advertisements for potential human traffickers.
While raiding brothels, he asked to plan before any raid, segregate victims from perpetrators, women police and independent witness to be present and know the types of crime falling under which acts- especially Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and The SC and The ST Act 1989. Illyas stressed that charge sheet should be submitted on time and when victim is rescued infrastructure has to be there for rehabilitation.
Speaking on ‘dimensions challenges and existing responses on human trafficking’, Ela, Director Prodigals Home Dimapur lamented that ignorance or lack of awareness, poverty, poor parenting or dysfunctional families, poor education system particularly the government institutions, lack of coping skills of vulnerable population, poor governance etc. are some of the factors that make children, youth and women vulnerable to human trafficking. Ela therefore called for comprehensive and coordinated effort in planning and action by looking into vulnerable factors.
Speaking on ‘voice of trafficked survivors-role of NGO in victim protection’, rescue, care and support, she urged the gathering to ensure security and protection to vulnerable, speedy justice to victim, fair trail to accused and adequate reformation efforts, inspire and build up faith among common people towards law enforcement and justice delivery system and empower the local grass root community with information and support system.
Speaking on ‘role/programmes of government in prevention and rehabilitation’, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, Director State Child Protection Society Kohima informed that there are three open shelter in Kohima, Dimapur and Phek, short stay homes,36 children home-only 16 being funded by ministry, family based institutional care for adoption, sponsorship for children at risk etc.
There was discussion after each session, whilethe concluding remarks and vote of thanks was pronounced by Y. Longkumer, NJS Registrar Gauhati High Court Kohima bench.
