Firm action needed to prevent human trafficking: District Legal Services Authority Secretary

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary K. Ratna Prasada on Wednesday (July 30) described human trafficking a grave and organised global crime. He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

He pointed out that economic disparity, social inequality and increasing digital vulnerabilities are key factors contributing to this crime, which continues to devastate countless lives across the globe.

Mr. Prasada stressed that traffickers often deceive victims, especially from marginalised communities, with false promises of jobs or marriage, only to trap them in forced labour or sexual exploitation. He called for community vigilance and warned against trusting strangers who make dubious offers.

He outlined a multi-pronged approach to effectively tackle human trafficking, including strengthening coordination between police, border security and international agencies; increasing surveillance at vulnerable transit points; leveraging digital tools for anonymous reporting; conducting regular awareness drives at grassroots level and ensuring rehabilitation and legal aid for rescued victims.

The seminar, jointly organised by the DLSA-Eluru and the Child Rights Advocacy Foundation at the District Court Complex, brought together judicial officers, law enforcement officials, social workers and representatives from various welfare departments.