Growing human trafficking targets vulnerable population

Over the years, the crime of human trafficking has taken a disastrous route, especially with traffickers adopting diverse ways to capitalize on the desperation and vulnerabilities of women and children at high risk of exploitation.

- Rishi Kant

Over the years, the crime of human trafficking has taken a disastrous route, especially with traffickers adopting diverse ways to capitalize on the desperation and vulnerabilities of women and children at high risk of exploitation. The privacy provided by social media platforms has not only helped traffickers target women and children in anonymity, but it has also provided a medium to generate child sexual abuse and exploitative material.

In India, trafficking of women and girls for forced marriage is also a growing phenomenon. Young girls from vulnerable areas looking for better opportunities are being lured with the false promises of employment and a good quality of life, and sold for the purpose of forced marriage. In many instances, traffickers also deceive, coerce or even lure families coming from weak economic backgrounds, with money and promises to marry off their children, the majority of which results in trafficking. The practice forces minor girls into the chain of abuse, leading to physical and emotional trauma, abuse, limited education and economic dependence. The majority of these cases lead to a teenage pregnancy that has a long-lasting impact on their health and well-being.