With a view to strengthening implementation mechanisms under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, ActionAid Association ran a week-long campaign in Uttar Pradesh starting July 22. Organized in the run-up to World Day against Trafficking in Persons (July 30) in the districts of Shravasti, Bahraich, Budaun and Lucknow, this campaign was part of a programme we are implementing against human trafficking and child labour with support from British High Commission.

As part of this campaign, several programmes were organized to raise awareness among communities and encourage community vigilance on the issues of human trafficking and child labour. Besides, diverse activities such as nukkad nataks, awareness walks, debates, and drawing and sports competitions were conducted in 25 elementary schools in which more than 2000 children actively participated. During this campaign, posters advocating for putting an end to human trafficking and child labour were also released by heads of concerned government departments at all district headquarters. Furthermore, through print as well as social media, strong messages calling for ending human trafficking and child labour were widely disseminated.

We are pleased to share that as a result of these collective efforts, district-level plans towards addressing human trafficking and child labour have been formulated. A committee has been formed in all four districts and a monthly review will be done by the respective District Magistrates/Chief Development Officers on the progress of the campaign.