Officials during the launch of digital campaign on the eve of World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
Kohima, July 29 (MExN): Keeping in mind the fact that “Nagaland has been identified as one of the leading points of origin for human trafficking in the country,” the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare, and the Administrator of the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, Sarah R Ritse, drew attention to the current economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has adversely affected the livelihood of many.
In such a situation, Ritse pointed out that those struggling economically become more vulnerable when prospects in the pretext of free or quality education and livelihood opportunities are presented to them. She therefore called upon all to be aware of the current realities in the state and also to be on alert in order to prevent such unwanted situations.
Addressing the launching of digital campaign on the eve of World Day against Trafficking in Persons-July 30, Ritse also informed that if anyone notices any suspicious situation, they can call the Women Helpline Nagaland at 181 or 9485239098, or contact the Sakhi-One Stop Centres (OSC) which is set up in the 11 districts of the state.
The digital campaign was initiated by the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) Nagaland, Mahila Shakti Kendra and the 181 Women Helpline Nagaland, with the aim “to highlight the issue of human trafficking in the state.”
‘Break the Chain – Stop Human Trafficking’
‘Break the Chain – Stop Human Trafficking,’ a short video on Human Trafficking in Nagaland, brought out by the SRCW was released on this occasion.
Meanwhile, several Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Legal Protection against Human Trafficking and general awareness on the issue have been launched. All these will be disseminated widely through social and print media to sensitize the public on the seriousness of the issue.
The video and IEC materials are available on the official pages of the SRCW Nagaland and 181 Women Helpline Nagaland on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel.
As part of this commemoration, the District Administrations and the District Level Centres for Women (DLCWs) and OSCs are carrying out various activities in the 11 districts and reaching out to the masses, creating awareness through their involvement and participation in various activities, such as art or poster contest, photo caption competition, etc.
The SRCW and Women Helpline Nagaland have called on all to join the campaign to prevent and bring an end to this looming social menace. “Each one can do their part by passing on the information, so that the message is heard by one and all,” SRCW, Nagaland stated.
