India: STOP! Human Trafficking

Sign the petition to stop trafficking

Every year, thousands of children, women and men fall victims to traffickers in their home countries and abroad. Through coercion, deceit or force, they are exploited for their labour, sex and even for their organs. Almost every country in the world is affected by this crime against humanity, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. Human trafficking can be extremely profitable and its perpetrators are often linked to organized crime.  Often trafficking affects those people, especially women and children, on the margins of society. Very few traffickers are convicted and few victims receive assistance.

Although the magnitude of this problem is becoming more universal, the international community, countries, non governmental organizations, the media and even corporate power houses are working together to address this crime that shames us all.  One such example is the national campaign launched by The Body Shop in India to prevent human trafficking by signing on a petition. The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia was associated to the launch event that took place on 27 August 2010 at 4 pm in The Atrium, Select City Walk Mall, New Delhi, India.

The mall was packed with curious onlookers, media crew and displayed colourful, bright banners, T-shirts, petition boxes and hoardings all carrying messages relevant to the issue. Bollywood actresses, Ms. Nafisa Ali and Ms. Chitrangda Singh along with Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Representative for South Asia were present and made a statement. The Body Shop's 'soft hand, kind heart' hand cream was launched. The net profits of this product will be given to non profit organisations who work on prevention of human trafficking.

The highlight of the event was the screening of the short UNODC film on human trafficking, 'One life, no price' that moved the public. Eager children, women and men signed the petition. In addition, the chief guests drew their hand prints as a sign to stop trafficking and took their pledge to support this cause.

Link to sign petition online

Photo Gallery:

For more photos on the event please click here