Survivors pitch for early passage of anti-human trafficking bill

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Survivors of human trafficking from across the country on Thursday organised an event here and called for early passage of the anti-human trafficking bill, which was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.

Organised by Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC) Society at India International Centre (IIC), it also saw participation by MPs Shatrughan Sinha, Manoj Tiwari and Kothapalli Geetha. The bill should be passed in the monsoon session itself in view of the urgency on the issue, they said.

Eleven survivors hailing from as many states shared their experiences of human-trafficking, ranging from sexual exploitation, bonded labour, forced marriage, organ trade and other forms of trafficking.

"This subject is very close to my heart, because I am a woman and I believe every woman in Parliament will support this bill and it will be passed at the earliest," Kothapalli Geeta said.

Sinha said: "Though a little late, it's very good that this bill has been introduced and I am hopeful that it gets passed in the monsoon session. The new bill has a provision for inter-state investigation and a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau."

The proposed legislation covers all aspects of human trafficking, including aggravated forms of trafficking like forced labour, begging, administering chemical substances and hormones for early sexual maturity and forced marriage.