Visual by "boskizzi"
This column discusses the causes and cure for modern day slavery. The specific focus is on the plight of sexual slavery throughout India. The Indian government needs to focus on freeing as well as rehabilitating the scores of people that are trafficked in it’s nation every year.
They are kidnapped, beaten, raped and forced to work for masters that neither care about their liberty, nor their safety. The images of slavery invariably conjure up images of past brutalities and injustices. However, the world seems to take comfort at the end of slavery, and moves on to a brighter future. Unfortunately for millions throughout the world, slavery is not the past, but the present.
Anti-Slavery International, the oldest human rights organization in the world, defines modern slavery through four specific violations of human rights [1]. The victims are forced to work “through physical or mental threats.” They are “controlled” through physical or mental attacks. Furthermore, they are treated as “property.” That is, they are assigned a value, and bought or sold just like any commodity in the marketplace. Victims are also “physically constrained” or have “restrictions placed on his/her freedom of movement [2].” Millions of men, women and children around the world are forced to lead lives as slaves[3].
As human trafficking is an undeniably large topic, one particular issue of notable interest is the plight of sexual slaves in India. Sexual exploitation is the most commonly identified form of human trafficking followed by forced labor [4].
A lively area
Most days, the Indian-Nepalese border has a bustling crowd. Lively chattering fills the street as citizens conduct their daily business. It might be hard to imagine that somewhere around this area, children as young as 11 years old, have been locked up and are being physically and sexually abused. According to a New York Times columnist Nicholas D.Kristof, this is the reality a woman named Meena Khatun faced. Kidnapped from her home, she was forced to have “sex with 10 to 25 customers daily.”She was eventually “bred” which is a practice “common in brothels”. She gave birth to a girl and a boy, who were to be used as a prostitute and laborer respectively [5].
India is one of the largest growing economies of the world, and has become the primary player in the geopolitics of South Asia. Analysts marvel at the astronomical growth of the diverse nation and envision a day when the nation will join the rank of economic superpowers. India, with its massive population, naturally has difficulty regulating slavery from its crowded urban areas to its remote frontiers. Although the US State Department ranks India as a tier 2 offender in human trafficking, reports suggest that the move was heavily politicized. Former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, allegedly refused to give India the tier 3(the worst possible) rating in fears of alienating a major ally in an unstable region of the world [6].
Recently, Ashwani Kumar, who heads the Central Bureau of Investigation in India (CBI) stated that his nation holds a unique “position as a source, transit nation and destination” for human trafficking [7].
The time has come for India to seriously battle the epidemic of modern day slavery plaguing the very fiber of its society. Although India happily spends billions of dollars on their military, the focus on domestic slavery seems like a far and distant concept. India needs to create an infrastructure of special organizations dedicated to child trafficking at local levels of the state governments. Furthermore, the nation also needs to proclaim tough sentencing for human trafficking. The rhetoric of law must be met with the tough hand of justice. Otherwise, traffickers, fearing little repercussion, will continue to move boldly against innocent women and children. The growing, lucrative prostitution crisis in India, in which 300,000 women and children are trafficked from Bangladesh alone, also plays into the hands of criminals[8].
Without tougher laws and regulation, we could very well be seeing a crisis in sexual slavery, as well as child prostitution unheard of in the modern era. India, like Nepal, is quickly becoming a hub for international sexual offenders and child molesters to seek new, vulnerable and accessible victims. Besides the obvious moral issue of freedom and liberty at stake, there are numerous other reasons the Indian government should quickly regulate the trade and enslavement of human beings.
A Smart Financial Decision
By no means, should the prevention of sexual slavery be boiled down to purely economic terms. However, if showing a financial incentive does provide a faster response from the government of India, then it must be seriously considered. The most obvious financial benefit to prevent sexual slavery is the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic sweeping throughout India. According to UNAIDS, India has “approximately 2.5 million” people living with HIV. This number has decreased over the years due to diligent and smart decisions made by non-governmental organizations as well as the government itself[9].
The disastrous disease can be greatly curtailed by stopping women from being forced into prostitution [10]. Even modest decreases in the number of forced prostitutes can save hundreds of millions of dollars. Prevention of the slave trade will also aid India as it rises to prominence in the global stage. Although the possibility of sanction is a very remote possibility, such punishments have been handed down to nations in the third tier by the United States.
The action
The purpose of freeing the oppressed from the terrible burden of being sexual slaves is thus clearly beneficial in the long run of India. It has the moral imperative, the financial return and the pressures of preserving global image to end the miserable conditions upon which millions of children and adults are forced to live in a rapidly changing nation.
The only question that remains to be answered is the method the Indian government should use to address the cancerous problem. In analyzing effective solution, one must then turn to private organizations, which have worked over the past decade with the police force to free thousands of enslaved women and children.
According to Stop Trafficking and Oppression of children and women(STOP) , an organization working to end sexual exploitation in India, states that sex trafficking should be stopped through a four step process. STOP calls this the four R’s.
The Rescue/Recovery stage is the emancipation stage. Girls who have been taken as sex slaves are freed from their captivity.
The restoration/repatriation stage is the process of sending women back to their homes. This can only be done if their residence is considered safe and habitable. If further risk of trafficking or abuse exists at their previous homes, they do not return. Each of the girls receive money to start their own businesses.
The rehabilitation stage covers counseling, treatment etc. Each girl is taught to become self reliant so that further risks of being abused are diminished.
The final stage builds up the confidence and skill level of rescued women through training. This in turn helps them cope with their freedom. Furthermore, reintegration allows them to return to their lives as productive citizens. Women that do not return to their homes are given further training in various fields [11].
The Indian police forces already aid in some of these activities. However, a modernized, well funded task force is needed to fully implement these steps in cooperation with nongovernmental organizations such as STOP. The government organizations should also be able to act with independent diligence.
If effort is taken by the government of India to enlist this process throughout the country, the level of sex trafficking would be reduced immensely. The primary cause of sex trafficking, according to STOP is, simply put, “poverty.” As India emerges as a powerful economic engine, more of their citizens will get out of extreme poverty. The percentage of women being enslaved would thus generally decrease. However, due to enduring financial hardships in many parts of the nation, and among India’s neighbor’s(Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal to name a few), sex trafficking will remain an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately in order to begin the long process of rebuilding the lives of the exploited.
STOP’s approach, combined with financial support and manpower of the Indian government and law enforcement, can destroy the ability of money-hungry criminals from exploiting women and children.
A Promise
The preamble of the Indian constitution eloquently states:
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the _2[unity and integrity of the Nation];
Until the day all the Meena Khatun’s of India receive these rights, India has not fulfilled her constitutional promise to her citizens. The work to free sexual slaves must begin now, so that we may truly allow human beings to be, (in the words of President John F. Kennedy) what they were meant to be, “free and independent.”
Work Cited
[6] Elise Labott and Zane Verjee . “India escapes U.S. list of worst human traffickers.” CNN. 13 June 2009. Web. 23 September 2009. <http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/12/human.trafficking/index.html>
[9] “HIV Epidemic in India.” UNAIDS. http://unaids.org/en/ 2009.United Nations Aids 24 September 2009.
[3] [4] “Human Trafficking FAQs”, UNODC 2009, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crimes, October 3rd 2009, <http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/faqs.html>
[5] Kristof, Nicholas. “The 21st-Century Slave Trade.” The New York Times. 22 April.2007.Web.20 September 2009, http://select.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/opinion/22kristof.html?_r=1
[8] Martin Dawes, Keele “Children in South Asia deserve better protection from sex abusers and traffickers.” UNICEF. 2004 United Nations. October 11th 2009. <http://www.unicef.org/media/media_23464.html>.
[7] Official: More than 1M child prostitutes in India.” CNN. 11 May 2009. Web. 23 September 2009. <http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/11/india.prostitution.children/index.html>
[10] Robert I. Freidman, “India’s Shame: Sexual Slavery and Political Corruption Are Leading to An AIDS Catastrophe,” The Nation, 8 April 1996
[11]Sen, Pritha , “Combating Human Trafficking Through Social Policing” (December 31, 2006). Available at SSRN: <http://ssrn.com/abstract=981487>
[1] [2] What is Modern Slavery?”, 2009, Anti Slavery International, September 28th 2009,<http://www.antislavery.org/english/slavery_today/what_is_modern_slavery.aspx>
Original Appearances of External Data Visuals and Media
Tremendous, great work. Keep it up!
I together with my buddies were located to be analyzing the fantastic key points from your web site while suddenly got a horrible suspicion I had not thanked the weblog owner for those secrets. These boys were certainly consequently pleased to read through all of them and have in effect very been using these points. Appreciate your genuinely being nicely accommodating and then for obtaining such terrific helpful guides many people are genuinely wanting to learn about. Our own sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
There are some interesting closing dates on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There’s some validity but I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
My wife and i ended up being quite happy Raymond could carry out his preliminary research because of the precious recommendations he discovered while using the web pages. It is now and again perplexing to just continually be giving out guidance that some people might have been trying to sell. And now we remember we’ve got the writer to appreciate because of that. Those illustrations you made, the straightforward site navigation, the friendships you will make it possible to create – it is everything astounding, and it’s really helping our son in addition to us do think this topic is excellent, which is certainly very vital. Thank you for all the pieces!
A formidable share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If attainable, as you turn out to be experience, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra details? It is extremely useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog put up!
This is the best weblog for anyone who needs to seek out out about this topic. You notice so much its almost exhausting to argue with you (not that I truly would need…HaHa). You positively put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just nice!
you’re really a good webmaster. The website loading pace is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a great job on this subject!
Merely expressing thank you doesn’t just be all that’s required, for this remarkable clarity in your developing.
I would like to show some appreciation to this writer for bailing me out of this particular problem. Right after exploring throughout the online world and finding proposals which are not productive, I believed my entire life was gone. Being alive without the presence of approaches to the issues you have solved through this article is a crucial case, and those that could have in a wrong way affected my entire career if I hadn’t discovered the blog. Your primary competence and kindness in maneuvering almost everything was helpful. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a solution like this. I can at this moment relish my future. Thank you very much for the professional and amazing help. I will not be reluctant to propose your web site to any individual who should receive assistance about this problem.
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for posting. “The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” by Oscar Wilde.
Good post. I study something more difficult on different blogs everyday. It’s going to always be stimulating to read content material from other writers and follow a little bit one thing from their store. I’d desire to use some with the content material on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.
Cool! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
Dead composed in black and white pleased, merit for selective in order. “The earth was completed cycle thus we would not spot exceedingly further downcast the road.” by Karen Blixen.
Great ideas on this page. It rare these days to find sites with info you are seeking. I am glad I found this page. I can certainly bookmark it or maybe subscribe to your rss feeds just to get your new posts. Sustain the good work and I’m sure some other folks looking for valued information will certainly stop by and use your site for resources.
Hi there. Very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am happy to find so much helpful info right here within the post. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this fantastic write up!
Great article! thanks so much for this information!
Thanks so much for this amazing article!
I’ll immediately seize your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me know so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
My husband and i were really joyous Louis managed to do his investigation from the ideas he made using your web page. It is now and again perplexing just to choose to be giving out solutions that many other folks may have been making money from. We really do understand we’ve got the writer to be grateful to for this. The explanations you have made, the simple blog navigation, the relationships your site help to foster it is mostly spectacular, and it’s really letting our son and us understand that subject is cool, which is wonderfully vital. Many thanks for the whole lot!
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
I don’t understand what to say, I just landed because of lookup engine and this article is brilliant. I generally planned to learn new things and this publish me regular for this sites. Thumbs ups & many many thnx for the tips.
There are some interesting points in time on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
Hello There to every. I Am from the Greece plus i have a very newer web portal. Check Out my site and inform me your feeling. You Can Get many ideas and information for my job. It Really Is zero cost 100% and not having registrator. Gives Thanks To every single person that could take a look at my fresh, new websites. It Will Aid my work. | |
Good day. Very cool web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am glad to locate a lot of useful information here in the article. Thanks for sharing…
There are some interesting closing dates on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity but I’ll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
It is perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I could I want to recommend you few attention-grabbing issues or advice. Maybe you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I want to learn even more things approximately it!
Councils of war never fight. – German Proverb
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.Many thanks for sharing!
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice
I’ve read this article, its content is very good. I’m very happy to share the experience and was very pleased to read the news, this blog has given me insight that is wide enough. thanks
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.Many thanks for sharing!
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.Many thanks for sharing!
I’ve read this article, its content is very good. I’m very happy to share the experience and was very pleased to read the news, this blog has given me insight that is wide enough. thanks
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice
I’ve read this article, its content is very good. I’m very happy to share the experience and was very pleased to read the news, this blog has given me insight that is wide enough. thanks
I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be utilizing? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any suggestions?
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.Many thanks for sharing!
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.Many thanks for sharing!
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.
I’ve read this article, its content is very good. I’m very happy to share the experience and was very pleased to read the news, this blog has given me insight that is wide enough. In addition, I would like to say “Councils of war never fight” – German Proverb. Thanks
You are able to come across myself nosing all around your internet website the moment once more
Hi my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .
hello!,I like your writing very so much! proportion we keep in touch more approximately your article on AOL? I need an expert in this area to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to see you.
Thanks for another excellent article. The place else may just anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.