Odisha and UNICEF Hold Consultation to Strengthen Fight Against Child Trafficking

Bhubaneswar: The Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department, in collaboration with UNICEF, organized a state-level stakeholder consultation on tackling child trafficking at the State Institute of Women and Child Development in Bhubaneswar today. The consultation aimed to address the persistent issue of child trafficking in Odisha and develop collaborative strategies to prevent this crime.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who attended the event as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the fight against child and women trafficking in the state. “Child trafficking is a sensitive issue, and the state government is committed to addressing all its aspects. It is time to strengthen child protection laws and control digital behavior to protect children,” said Parida.

In her address, Parida urged officials to adopt a proactive approach, recommending awareness campaigns and establishing a dedicated helpline for swift action. She called upon all stakeholders to join forces and work in a mission-driven mode to eradicate child trafficking from Odisha.

Principal Secretary of the W&CD Department, Shubha Sarma, highlighted the need for unified efforts, stating, “To prevent heinous crimes like child and women trafficking, we all must work together in partnership.” She affirmed the department’s commitment to making all possible efforts to prevent child trafficking.

UNICEF’s State Chief, William Hanlon Jr., who was also present at the event, commended the Odisha government’s dedication to combating child trafficking. He underscored the need for comprehensive action to protect vulnerable children and promote a safe environment.

The consultation brought together representatives from various state departments, district child welfare committees, child protection officers, and key non-governmental organizations focused on child protection. Members of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) from Kharagpur Division and senior officials from Odisha Police also participated in the discussions.

The meeting covered the underlying causes and possible preventive measures against child trafficking, with participants emphasizing the “4P” approach—prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership—as a framework to guide efforts.

This collaborative consultation reflects Odisha’s commitment to intensifying its fight against child trafficking, aiming to secure a safer future for its children and women.