Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sambalpur (Fides Service) - In India’s north eastern state of Orissa the local authorities, NGOs and religious communities are working to put an end to the phenomenon of trafficking of tribal women. Catholic dioceses fully involved in this commitment have appointed delegates and pastoral workers to work together to render efforts more effective.
During a recent seminar in Jharsuguda, 50 diocesan delegates, priests, religious and lay people discussed the problems and solutions to stem the growing phenomenon of human trafficking in Orissa involving mainly young tribal women. “Human trafficking is a crime against humanity” the delegates said denouncing a network of traffickers without scruples who take advantage of the most vulnerable women raping and abusing them and selling them as slaves.
Co-ordinated by priest delegates Catholic communities will take steps for prevention and rehabilitation, examining cases and operating in the field of education to warn tribals of the mirage of easy earnings with which girls are lured and trapped.
Another level of action is to promote legality convincing victims to denounce and report their experience to the police and help capture the criminals. Another commitment is social rehabilitation of women victims who are either abandoned or manage to escape.
In Orissa, a state which experiences ferments of Hindu fundamentalism, Catholics continue to assist the poor, lepers, the excluded and promote development among tribal peoples. The Church is committed to defending and promoting the values of freedom, justice and democracy and works to protect the rights of minorities, tribals in particular.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2005 righe 28 parole 286)
