ByIANSlife
July 5, 2020 (IANSlife) Human Liberty Network (HLN), a network of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with a vision for a human trafficking free society, released the findings of a survey it conducted in 15 districts of Bihar and 6 districts of Uttar Pradesh, and the revelations will have you squirming.
1200+ respondents revealed major challenges related to livelihood, access to health services, nutrition and basic needs post the return of migrant workers, which strongly increases their vulnerability to rural distress, debt bondage and human trafficking.
The survey further reinforced targeted and coordinated efforts from the state governments and community based organisations, for rapid implementation of support mechanisms for the vulnerable.
As a result of the lockdown, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been the worst affected states due to reverse migration, with 30 lakh people returning to Uttar Pradesh and 32 Lakh returning to Bihar as per the survey. Influx of such large numbers is displaying a direct impact on the rise of social injustice in the region. Stronger enforcement and better coordination between multiple stakeholders with a holistic can therefore play a game-changing role in protecting the lives of returnee migrants from exploitation and human trafficking.
In the survey titled “Immediate Requirements to Allay Rural Distress and Human Trafficking” the following disturbing statistics came to fore:
Speaking on the findings of the survey, a member of the Human Liberty Network,said, “The impact of COVID-19 and lockdown situation has been most severe on communities that are already disadvantaged and vulnerable to shocks. The network undertook this study to assess the impact on livelihood, health, education, nutrition, and basic needs associated with COVID-19. It illustrates the links between these effects and an increased vulnerability to human trafficking and conditions of bondage by providing a rapid assessment of the ground realities vis-à-vis policy measures to assist the government in providing action-oriented steps. Our top recommendations are that the issues surrounding marginalized communities should be addressed through coordinated efforts with key stakeholders. The governments should adopt measures for strengthening the accountability of Rozgar Sewaks and improving monitoring mechanisms through door to door registration of job cards for returning migrants.”
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