Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 28th June, 2021] Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, es..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 28th June, 2021]

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 28th June, 2021]

Madam President,

1. We thank the Special Rapporteur for presentation of her thematic report analyzing the current challenges in implementation of the principle of non-punishment.

2. India has adopted a multi-pronged approach to address the complex issue of human trafficking in all its dimensions. India has a strong and effective legislative framework to address the issue of trafficking, including prohibition of bonded and child labour, protection of children and women from sexual exploitation, transplantation of human organs, and, selling and buying for the purpose of prostitution. India's anti-trafficking legislative framework is based on Article 23 of our Constitution which prohibits trafficking and forced labour. A new comprehensive legislation on trafficking in persons, covering all aspects including prosecution, prevention and protection of victims, witnesses and complainants, as well as rehabilitation of victims, is under consideration.

3. Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) have been set up in all districts of Indian States and Union Territories as well as under forces guarding  our border areas to check and curb trans-national trafficking.

4. A Comprehensive Scheme titled 'Ujjawala' meaning 'Bright Future' has been introduced to facilitate rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of the trafficked victims. It also facilitates repatriation of cross-border victims to their country of origin. The protective and rehabilitative homes provide basic amenities such as food, clothing, medical care, legal aid, education for rescued children and vocational training to provide them alternate livelihood options.

5. Special drives, called Operation Smile, are conducted regularly for rescuing trafficked children. Innovative usage of information technology such as Track Child and Khoya Paya portals have been remarkably successful to track the missing and found children. Police Stations, Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Care Institutions have been tasked to update the information about missing and found children regularly.

6. India stands firmly committed to work with the international community in battle against trafficking in persons. 

Thank you, Madam President.