The Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Center for Extension Services (CES) in association with Center for International Academic Network (CIAN), School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, organized a programme to launch “Anti-Human Trafficking Club (AHTC)” on 27th October 2021 at 4pm in Maria Paiva Hall of the College.
The Resource Person Mr. Harald D’Souza, President and Co-founder of Eyes Open International, Former member of US advisory council on Human Trafficking inaugurated the ‘Anti-Human Trafficking Club ‘symbolically by unfolding the rope tied around the hands. Further he addressed the gathering on the theme ‘Human Trafficking-A Global Scenario’. He shared his experience as a survivor of Human Trafficking in United States and dedicated his service to the victims of such exploitations. Power, Purpose Prayer and Passion are the 4P’s that should be adopted by the survivors in order to overcome the obstacles in life. He quoted that people must ‘Believe in faith and not in fate’ and every situation should be taken positively to turn it into an opportunity. He assured his help and support in the activities of Anti-Human Trafficking Club of the college so that all can collectively work to build safe communities and a Human Trafficking free region.
Dr. Saritha D’souza, Head of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science and Director, Centre for Extension Services (CES) gave a concept note on the AHTC. Shoring up the defense against the scourge of Human Trafficking, International Justice Mission, Bangalore had taken the initiative along with the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka regarding the formation of Anti Human Trafficking Clubs in all Universities and Colleges in Karnataka. AHTC is envisioned to engage the student community to address the crime of Human Trafficking in their capacity to spread awareness, work alongside government and non-government organizations. In this context, the members of the club will actively participate with Law Enforcement Agencies and other relevant organizations to extend assistance to victims. They would pass on the information about potential human trafficking to enforcement agencies, to organize awareness campaign with the participation of student community about trafficking at important points in the region. It has the potential to be a vibrant and powerful voice to build a resilient collective against human Trafficking and work towards a nation free of such exploitation she said.
Dr. Juliet C.J. Principal, Dr. Jenis Mary, Vice-Principal of School of Social Work, Mangaluru and Director, Centre for International Academic Network (CIAN), Prof. Vineetha Rai, Registrar of the college, Prof. Cecelia Goveas, IQAC Coordinator, Dr. Sandra Lobo, NAAC Coordinator, Dr. Jacintha D’Souza, former principal of the college, member representatives of Eyes Open International, Mr. Roshan D’Souza, Asst. professor and Faculty coordinator of Anti-Human Trafficking Club, Teaching and Non-teaching faculties of the college, undergraduate and Post Graduate students of the college were present on this occasion. Ms. Swapna Gowri, Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science compered the event. Around 100 participants graced the occasion and made the event a successful one.