Make vulnerable groups aware of human trafficking

Speakers at a virtual discussion today stressed the need for building awareness of human trafficking among vulnerable groups and proper enforcement of law in the country to reduce such crimes.

They said poverty, social and cultural exclusion, lack of access to economic opportunities, and lack of information are among the reasons behind trafficking, adding trafficking is a serious concern in Bangladesh and across the globe.

Warbe Development Foundation and EMK Centre jointly organised the discussion on "In Quest of the Root Causes of Human Trafficking in Bangladesh" as part of "human trafficking awareness month" observed in different countries throughout January.

Tapati Saha, programme manager at UN Women, suggested increasing investment to ensure economic empowerment of poor women and stressed greater collaboration with financial institutions in this regard.

Warbe Chairman Syed Saiful Haque said besides females, males have also been targeted by trafficking groups, urging for ensuring severe punishment of traffickers.

Moderated by migration expert Riaz Uddin Khan, the event was addressed, among others, by labour migration expert Nurul Islam, trade union leader Abul Hossain, and Prof Ishrat Shamim, president of Centre for Women and Children Studies.

Warbe and EMK Centre will hold another virtual discussion on "Lessons Learnt from Rehabilitation of Human Trafficking Victims" tomorrow.