Project aims ensure Scotland plays its part in combatting child trafficking in India
A Scots aid charity has launched an appeal highlighting the plight of children being trafficked in India.
The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (Sciaf) is raising awareness that children are being forced into work, the sex trade and even being used for organ harvesting as part of the illegal child trafficking trade in the country.
According to figures released by the European Parliament last year, more than 20 million people living today have been trafficked worldwide.
It remains one of the fastest growing illegal trades, generating a profit of over £1bn a year.
In India alone, around 20,000 people were trafficked last year, including 10,000 children.
The charity has started a new project in India, working with Caritas India to raise awareness of human trafficking and how families in poor communities can avoid falling prey to it.
Charlotte Hull, Sciaf’s head of communications and education, who recently travelled to India, said: “Child trafficking is destroying lives.
“Sciaf is working with Caritas India to prevent trafficking and protect children by raising awareness of how trafficking works so the dangers can be avoided, and helping poor families to earn an income so they’re less vulnerable to traffickers.
We're working with the police and other local organisations to identify trafficked children - Charlotte Hull
“We’re also working with the police and other local organisations to identify trafficked children, set up interception booths at key points along the border with Nepal and help rescue children when we can.”
Grinding poverty, a lack of education and opportunities, war and political instability are some of the key drivers that contribute to people becoming vulnerable to trafficking and modern slavery.
Many poor communities affected by the problem are unaware of the fact that they or their loved ones have been sold, sometimes even years after it has happened.
“In India, traffickers are often known to families who are deceived into believing their children will be given an education and brighter future.
Hull added: “Every child has the right to love, safety, an education and a future of hope.
"We can all do something to help.”
