‘400 females rescued from sexual exploitation’ between 2014 and 2019 in Goa

PANAJI: Nearly 400 females, some as young as 16 years, have been rescued from commercial sexual exploitation by Goa police’s integrated anti-human trafficking unit between 2014 and 2019. This was revealed in a study titled ‘Trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation in Goa – a statistical analysis (2014-to-2019)’ conducted by Arz (Anyay Rahit Zindagi).
Of the rescued survivors, 84% were from India while 16% were foreign nationals.
“Sex trafficking is the worst form of violence committed against any human being. To stop it, active participation of law enforcement agencies and locals is required,” Arz director Arun Pandey said. “Human trafficking is a global pandemic that stemmed from the era of slavery and is still very much prevalent today. Goa is one of the major destination states in India for sex trafficking.”
In 2013, the UN General Assembly designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
With the aim of creating this awareness among locals, Arz has planned various events in collaboration with Goa police, the judiciary, colleges, NGOs and writers from July 29 to 31 to observe this day.
Arz will hold a discussion on the experiences of victims of sex trafficking at the children’s court, Panaji, on July 29, 5pm. A rally, in collaboration with Goa police, will be held on July 30 at 9.30am at Azad Maidan, Panaji.