MAPUSA
With an aim to create awareness among the locals and to express solidarity with victims of human trafficking, a beach rally will be organised on February 28 which will kick off from Candolim beach at 4 pm and will culminate at the Calangute beach.
The rally is being organised by Mukti Kiran in association with MOG Foundation and is being supported by the Calangute Police Station.
Roshan Mathias, director, Mog Foundation said that the rally is being held to create a social awareness on the issue.
Many people are illegally housing such victims and if caught then this can attract heavy fines and penalties as well as criminal charges.
“The intention in organizing the rally is to let the victims of human trafficking know that help exists and there is hope for rescue. The official rescue rate has dropped in Goa thereby forcing us citizens to assist police and law enforcement authorities in rescue efforts,” Mathias said.
Sr Lisa Pires, a member of Mukti Kiran, stated that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery right at our doorstep and that we can no longer close our hearts to the suffering of so many women and young girls who are being trafficked for sex right in our midst. Everyone needs to do their bit to stop this crime.
According to a report by NHRC, Goa is one of the major destinations in India for trafficking related to commercial sexual activities while a report prepared by ARZ stated that 400 girls and women were rescued in Goa during the period 2014-2019.
