Dimapur, July 29 (EMN): On the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, the State Resource Centre for Women Nagaland, Mahila Shakti Kendra and 181 Women Helpline have initiated a digital campaign to mark the day and to highlight the issue of human trafficking in the state.
Keeping in mind the fact that Nagaland has been identified as one of the leading points of origin for human trafficking in the country, administrator of Nagaland State Social Welfare Board Sarah R Ritse, who is also the commissioner and secretary for department of Social Welfare, while launching the digital campaign, drew attention to the current economic recession due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has adversely affected the livelihood of many, stated an update.
She pointed out that in such a situation, those struggling economically become more vulnerable when prospects in the pretext of free education and livelihood opportunities are presented to them. Therefore, she 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.
Ritse 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 which are set-up in the 11 districts of the state.
A short video on human trafficking in Nagaland called “Break the Chain – Stop Human Trafficking,” brought out by the SRCW was released on Wednesday to mark the occasion. Several Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials on legal protection against human trafficking and general awareness on the issue have been launched.
The IEC materials will be disseminated widely through social and print media to sensitise the public on the seriousness of the issue. The video and materials are also available on the official pages of the SRCW Nagaland and 181 Women Helpline Nagaland on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel, it informed.
In commemoration of the day, it informed that the district administrations and the district level centres for women and OSCs are carrying out various activities in all the districts and reaching out to the masses, creating awareness through their involvement and participation in various activities such as art, poster and photo caption competition.
Calling upon all to join the campaign to prevent and bring an end to this looming social menace, the SRCW and Women Helpline stated: "Each one can do their part by passing on the information, so that the message is heard by one and all".