Training programme on human trafficking held

A one-day regional-level training programme on the eradication of human trafficking and protection of the girl child was organised by the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with Prajwala Voluntary Organization, at the Zilla Parishad meeting hall on Thursday.

Regional Joint Director Ramalakshmi inaugurated the programme, highlighting the seriousness of human trafficking and the need for collective efforts to address it. She stressed the importance of sustained awareness programmes to protect adolescent girls from sexual exploitation and highlighted cases of child labour and organ trafficking.

Prajwala Project Manager Balarama Krishna said human trafficking was among the largest organised crimes globally. He said the training focused on human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and cyber trafficking, and called on participants to take the message to the grassroots level. State Mission Shakti Coordinator Vijayashree said trafficking affected people across economic backgrounds and urged greater vigilance.

The programme saw participation from CDPOs and District Mission Shakti Coordinators from various districts, including Visakhapatnam, ASR, Srikakulam, and others. The sessions covered laws related to trafficking, including BNS, ITPA, POCSO, PCMA, and JJA, along with information on helpline numbers 1098, 181, 100, and 108.