SAARC Summit 2007 Must Act to End Cross-boarder Human Trafficking for sexual Purpose

The human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation and abuse of children and women is a major matter of concern in the SAARC region (South Asia). The SAARC countries signed and later ratified the ‘SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution’ but little progress has been made to translate those commitment into decisive action by the these seven countries.

The next SAARC Summit scheduled for April 2 – 4, 2007 to be held in New Delhi and it is high time to raise the concern and seek proactive role of all the parties.

To discuss these issues “Indian Network for Combating Trafficking” (INCT) organized a meeting on March 25, 2007 in New Delhi.

The INCT discussed the commitment made under the “SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution”.

Mr Ravi Narayan, Secretary General of Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) welcomed the participants and briefed them about the current status of the “Convention” in some of the countries.

Ms Roma Debabrata, President of STOP explained the problem faced in recovery, repatriation and integration and hoped for early establishment of mutual legal assistance between the SAARC member countries.

Dr. (Ms) Jyotsna Chatterji, Secretary JWP-India urged the countries participating in the SAARC Summit to put in motion the Convention in total and called to establish a regional taskforce.

Ms Salma Ali, Executive Director of BNWLA, Bangladesh emphasized for protocol for rescuer operation and smooth repatriation system, to put on place as committed in the ‘Convention”.

The meeting finally agreed to emphasized on following points: 

-           According to the SAARC Convention, the task force is formulated on priority basis.

-           Protocol for rescue operation and smooth repatriation system.

-           Operationalize the mutual legal assistance between the SAARC member countries.

-           The bilateral and multidimensional dialogue and plan of action on standardized care and support for the survivors of trafficking.

The INCT urged to SAARC Summit to look into the above matter and act proactively to stop trafficking in persons and protect the human rights of the trafficked survivors.

The others organizations those contributed to the deliberations in the meeting include the National Youth Project, All India Seva Sangh, Mahatma Gandhi Sewa Ashram, Delhi Mahila Samaj and  Young Women’s Association (YWA) .

The INCT hosted the meeting. INCT is the national platform of organizations working for protecting children and women from trafficking and preventing commercial sexual exploitation of children in India.