Freedom Network Workshop
On January 16, 2024, in observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata organized the Freedom Network Workshop to raise awareness about human trafficking. The event honored individuals and organizations combating this transnational crime and featured sessions with experts from law enforcement, legal, and social services.
The workshop began with Scott Kang, Overseas Criminal Investigator at the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, who defined human trafficking as the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for illegal activities, including sexual exploitation and forced labor. He distinguished trafficking from smuggling, emphasizing the individual-centric nature of trafficking and its human rights implications. Participants learned about initiatives like the Blue Campaign, which symbolizes the global fight against trafficking.
DSP Pranati Saha of the West Bengal CID discussed combating cyber-enabled trafficking, citing increased trafficking via air routes and the alarming trend of newborns being sold on social media under the guise of adoption. She highlighted the challenges of reintegrating victims into society and the post-COVID rise in trafficking through online platforms. Awareness campaigns like Swayam Siddha were emphasized as key preventive measures.
Arunima Roy, a forensic psychologist, shared insights on profiling traffickers through behavioral analysis and understanding victim psychology to shape investigative strategies. Advocate Soumyajit Raha focused on legal vulnerabilities, particularly of children and the elderly, and emerging threats like cyber slavery, stressing the role of parental guidance and awareness.
Kolkata Police officials ACP Debashish Chakraborty and Inspector Gopal Debnath highlighted the importance of collaboration with NGOs and victim confidentiality in combating trafficking. They pointed out gaps in monitoring mechanisms and emerging concerns like "pig butchering," a method of luring individuals into fraudulent schemes.
The workshop concluded with a session by Nicola Wong on the grant application process and closing remarks by Juan Clar, who praised the collective efforts to address this critical issue.
This impactful workshop emphasized the need for collective action, education, and strong anti-trafficking measures to combat this grave human rights violation.
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