UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
Goa acts against Human Traffickers
Project S 16 helps set up Integrated Anti Human Trafficking Unit in Panjim, Goa (24 March 07)
Goa received a fillip in its struggle against
human trafficking this week with the provision of equipment by the United Nations for an integrated Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) in Panjim, Goa.
Chief Minister, Goa, Mr . Pratap Rane flagging off the vehicle provided by UNODC and thereupon launching the 2nd AHTU in the country. Seen in the picture is Mr. Gary Lewis, Representative UNODC and members of Goa police
The Integrated Anti Human Trafficking Unit was inaugurated at the Goa Police Headquarters,in Panjim, Goa on 24 March 2007 by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Mr. Pratap Rane. Mr. Gary Lewis, Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Regional Office for South Asia (UNODC ROSA) and Mr. P.M. Nair, Project Coordinator, Anti-Human Trafficking, UNODC ROSA were also present.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Nodal Training Centre and the computer centre.
The AHTU are part of an effort supported by UNODC in five states in India with significant human trafficking problems to beef up the law enforcement response and target traffickers. This dedicated and self-contained Units has been provided with 1 vehicle, 1 computer system, 1 cell phone and grants for important activities like honorariums to the NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), as well as funds for post rescue care and attention of victims of trafficking.
The creation of the AHTUs are part of a programme for police training and capacity building undertaken by the UNODC in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and financially supported by the United States Government to the tune of US$2.5 million.
Mr. Pratap Rane, Chief Minister, Goa, inaugrates the Nodal Training Centre. Looking on are Mr. Gary Lewis, Mr. Randhawa Addl. DGP, Mr. J.P. Singh, Chief Secretary, Goa, Mr. Ujwal Mishra DIG Goa Police
Mr. Pratap Rao Rane, Chief Minister, Goa at the launch of IAHTU, in Panjim, Goa
The programme addresses the issues of human trafficking from a human rights perspective, wherein rescue operations are followed up by counselling and de-traumatisation activities. The aims of this project are fourfold: empowering police officers and prosecutors in the project states, strengthening/setting up AHTUs, developing Standard Operating Procedures/Protocols on AHT, and improving law enforcement and civil society liaison. So far, 5 states - Goa, Maharshtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar - are covered under the two-year project, which commenced in April 2006.
