Human Chain in Berhampur Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

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Marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a human chain was formed near Berhampur railway station on Wednesday to raise awareness about the growing threat of human trafficking. The event was organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) in Berhampur, with participation from several social activists.

The awareness drive began with a rally flagged off by Senior Station Master Durga Prasad Brahma, aimed at encouraging public vigilance against trafficking networks that often target the most vulnerable. Organisers emphasised that community awareness and local-level monitoring are critical to preventing exploitation.

Child rights activist Sudhir Sabat used the occasion to urge the government to strengthen anti-human trafficking units and women and child protection cells down to the panchayat level. He recommended that every village panchayat maintain an updated register of residents working outside the state or abroad, to track vulnerable populations and prevent illegal recruitment.

“Every panchayat needs to maintain a register of the people in their area working out of the state and abroad,” Sabat said, stressing that better local record-keeping could help detect and stop trafficking cases early.

According to activists present, traffickers often middlemen, typically lure victims with promises of high salaries, secure jobs, and good living conditions. Once transported, many victims are subjected to poor working environments, withheld wages, and physical exploitation. In numerous cases, the promised facilities never materialise, leaving victims trapped and unable to return home.

Children remain particularly at risk. Several speakers pointed out that traffickers frequently target minors from economically weaker backgrounds, either for forced labour or other forms of exploitation. They called for stronger grassroots monitoring systems and more coordination between law enforcement and social welfare agencies to prevent such crimes.

The event concluded with participants pledging to work together in combating trafficking and supporting victims’ rehabilitation. Organisers noted that public engagement and vigilance are essential, as trafficking operations often rely on secrecy, lack of reporting, and exploitation of legal loopholes.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, is recognised by the United Nations to raise awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and encourage governments and communities worldwide to take stronger action to protect potential victims.