Violence-induced internal displacement has put at risk a large section of people, particularly women and young girls in Assam. Those acquainted with the situation believe that it is time for the State Government agencies to recognise the problem of trafficking of women.
Those who have first-hand experience besides monitoring secondary data believe that following dislocation, and amid a rootless existence away from their original environment, women have been targeted by criminals who run well-oiled trafficking operations.
“A substantive change at the policy level from a very strong gender perspective is the need of the hour. The Internally Displaced People (IDP) should be protected under a protocol that must conform to international standards,” said Anurita Pathak Hazarika of North East Network (NEN). The strategic and specific gender needs of internally displaced women should be addressed in all conflict areas. Violence and abuse on women, which violate their human rights in North East India need to be checked from all perspectives, she added.
Some senior police officials and at least one former intelligence operative agree that the problem is serious, and will exacerbate as the number of displaced people grows. They also point to the displacement taking place in parts of western Assam, where people living away from their native villages face economic and social distress.
There are apprehensions that more women will become vulnerable to trafficking as economic conditions of the displaced people worsen in the absence of sustained efforts from the government as well as civil society.
According to a social activist, who did not wish to be named, the education of adolescent and teenage girls has been greatly affected by the displacement that has been taking place in recent times. Many parents and guardians have been reluctant to send their young women to schools as they feel insecure, and are also enduring financial hardships in the prevailing circumstances.
Reports from the grassroots have further revealed that a section of women who are part of dislocated communities have very limited access to healthcare, putting them at multiple risks.
Those who have first-hand experience besides monitoring secondary data believe that following dislocation, and amid a rootless existence away from their original environment, women have been targeted by criminals who run well-oiled trafficking operations.
“A substantive change at the policy level from a very strong gender perspective is the need of the hour. The Internally Displaced People (IDP) should be protected under a protocol that must conform to international standards,” said Anurita Pathak Hazarika of North East Network (NEN). The strategic and specific gender needs of internally displaced women should be addressed in all conflict areas. Violence and abuse on women, which violate their human rights in North East India need to be checked from all perspectives, she added.
Some senior police officials and at least one former intelligence operative agree that the problem is serious, and will exacerbate as the number of displaced people grows. They also point to the displacement taking place in parts of western Assam, where people living away from their native villages face economic and social distress.
There are apprehensions that more women will become vulnerable to trafficking as economic conditions of the displaced people worsen in the absence of sustained efforts from the government as well as civil society.
According to a social activist, who did not wish to be named, the education of adolescent and teenage girls has been greatly affected by the displacement that has been taking place in recent times. Many parents and guardians have been reluctant to send their young women to schools as they feel insecure, and are also enduring financial hardships in the prevailing circumstances.
Reports from the grassroots have further revealed that a section of women who are part of dislocated communities have very limited access to healthcare, putting them at multiple risks.
No comments:
Post a Comment