World Day Against Trafficking – 30 July 2025
On 30th July 2025, the Ghoghardiha Prakhand Swarajya Vikas Sangh (GPSVS), under the MRC Program in Kishanganj, organized an awareness event at Pashchimpali Labour Chowk to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event was led by RCF representative Mr. Mohammad Azad, who addressed migrant workers about the grave issue of human trafficking and the importance of this global observance in raising awareness and reinforcing governmental commitment to combat such crimes.
Mr. Azad highlighted that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery involving force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or sexual purposes. He elaborated on how traffickers use deception, violence, and false promises to trap victims—leading to severe physical and psychological abuse. Citing data from the International Labour Organization, he mentioned that over 40 million people globally are victims of trafficking, with nearly every country affected, some more severely than others.
He also shared historical context, noting that the UN General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in 2010 and, in 2013, designated July 30 as the official World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. He further named the 10 countries with the worst trafficking records and explained how even developed countries like the USA face this issue, with nearly 17,500 victims annually, mostly immigrants, women, and children. He listed contributing factors such as poverty, unemployment, organized crime, discrimination, and corruption.
Mr. Azad encouraged people to help end trafficking through actions like:
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Reporting suspected cases to the National Human Trafficking Helpline (1-888-373-7888),
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Being informed and conscious consumers,
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Asking local authorities about their anti-trafficking efforts,
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Watching documentaries for better understanding, and
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Spreading awareness using hashtags like #WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons and #EndHumanTrafficking.
He also shared the focus areas of the GPSVS-led MRC Kishanganj program, including:
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Empowerment of migrant workers
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Combating human trafficking and child labor
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Addressing bonded labor and violence against women
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Promoting safe migration and access to social security schemes
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Dissemination of important helpline numbers
Field Officers Mr. Intkhab Anwar and Ms. Ranjini Kumari elaborated on support services available through the MRC and partner organizations. They informed the audience about free helpline numbers such as 180012011211 (Labour Helpline) and 180030002852 (Women’s Helpline) for assistance during distress or to access government welfare schemes.
The event was attended by numerous workers and key MRC field staff including Champa Baskey, Priyanka Kumari, and Ehsan Danis, who all played an active role in raising awareness on this critical issue.
