Context: Human trafficking continues to be a significant policy challenge in West Bengal, particularly in regions like the Sundarbans, where socio-environmental vulnerabilities are exacerbated by climate change.
Relevance:GS 2 (Social Issues), GS 3 (Climate Change)
Climate Change and Trafficking Connection:
- Cyclones and environmental disasters in West Bengal, especially in the Sundarbans, have intensified poverty and displacement.
- Repeated tropical cyclones, including Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), have devastated livelihoods, forcing migrations that expose vulnerable populations, especially women and children, to trafficking risks.
Data and Trends:
- Missing Persons (2022):
- Total: 58,871 (53,655 women, 12,455 children).
- Human Trafficking Cases:
- 59 (2020), 61 (2021), and 67 (2022).
- Victims in 2022:
- 78, including 60 girls and 18 boys.
Exploitation by Traffickers:
- Traffickers exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities by luring impoverished individuals with false job promises.
Conviction Rates:
- The conviction rate for trafficking cases in 2022 was 55%, underscoring gaps in addressing the issue comprehensively.
Call for Integrated Interventions:
- Organizations like ILFAT and Bijoyini work to rescue survivors, spread awareness, and advocate for systemic changes.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and survivor networks emphasize the intersection of climate change, poverty, and trafficking, highlighting the urgent need for integrated interventions.
- Recommendations:
- Creating livelihood opportunities.
- Improving access to support systems in disaster-affected areas.
