|
OFFER organised this meeting in Rabindra Bhawan
Reshma, a young girl from Sanlaap's center said during her address, "let us think if it was your child who is trafficked. It was your child who is trafficked into prostitution or to work as a child labourers in somebody’s home or in a restaurant. Isn’t it important for all of us- you, and all the children to dream for a better future, to dream of a better live, to get an education and be part of the progress of our nation".
Kailash Satyarthi in his powerful opening address said, "it is the children’s movement and we adults are with them, supporting them. But let us ask why are these children forced to take to the streets. It is because they have a vision – a vision to put an end to child trafficking and slavery. It is most shameful that trafficking accounts for the third largest illicit trade in the world. And, it is these young brave determined children from Bangladesh, Nepal and India who have lit the torch to fight out this menace".
CASES FROM THE FIELD:
Madhu, a 9 year old was brought by an ‘uncle’ from Midnapore to Kolkata to work as a domestic help. Once they reach Kolkata, the Uncle left her at the Dumdum stataion (local) with a middleman. She was kept at a small home near the station. When she was about to be sold off to another person, the OFFER activist rescued her and took her to the rehabilitation home “Apan Ghar”. She has now completed Class XI and is pursuing Classs XII as well as teaching at the OFFER center.
Rajiv belongs to Bihar. He was brought to Sealdah Railway Station by a middlemen to work at the station. After a few months of working for the middleman, he was rescued by the local police who handed him over to OFFER (they sought his custody). He then revealed his story - how he was intended for the diamond cutting industry in Bombay. He said that a lot of children form Bihar, his village end up in the diamond cutting industy.
From Rabindrabhawan the marchers at Barasat marched to Dak Bunglow, chanting slogans in Bengali, with the womens’ group members of the local NGO organisers. At Dak Banglow, the marchers addressed the gathered public and performed plays denouncing child trafficking and slavery.
Ranaghat: Welcome by Municipal Councillor and Border Security Forces
26 February 2007, 6:15 pm
The marchers in the caravans travelled to Ranaghat, singing songs and raising slogans through the mobile mikes/ loud speakers along the way. At Ranaghat, the marchers were welcomed by a team of Border Security Force personnel. Mrs. Mukeherjee, Municipal Councillor of Ranaghat, Nadia District, welcomed the marchers with garlands and flowers.
The people of Ranaghat were sensitised about trafficking and slavery through songs, dance and public addresses. |
