Hans News Service Chittoor

DistrictLegal Services Authority (DLSA) Chairpersonand Senior Civil Judge MS Bharati said that creating awareness and encouraging vigilance among people are essential to prevent trafficking of women and children. She was speaking at an awareness programme held in Chittoor on Thursday to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The programme was jointly organised by District Legal Services Authority, ICDS and Police department.

The judge expressed concern that despite rapid technological progress, crimes such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, bonded labour, child trafficking, forced begging, forced marriages and illegal organ trade continue to exist. She said that many women and children become victims due to a lack of awareness.

Public should be cautious of people, who collect money by offering fake jobs and those, who commit fraud through social media. Children, women, orphans and school dropouts are more vulnerable to such crimes. The judge urged people to immediately inform the police if they notice suspicious persons or activities.

Bharati said that Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other laws provide strict punishment for offences related to human trafficking, child protection and sexual crimes.

ICDS Project Director Venkateswari said that if students are aware of such issues, they can help protect their families and society. She urged everyone to remain alert about the safety of people around them and called for greater awareness to prevent serious crimes such as illegal organ trafficking.

Women Police Station DSP Srinivasa Rao said, human trafficking is an organised crime. Traffickers first gain the trust of their victims before exploiting them. Young people travelling to other places for education or employment should not trust strangers easily, he advised.