Mysuru: Human trafficking is a serious assault on an individual’s dignity, physical well-being and personal liberty, said Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Usha Rani.

“Rehabilitation of victims is an integral part of the constitutional right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution,” she added.

Usha Rani was speaking at the observance of ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ and the ‘Udaya Hejje Bonded Labourers’ Collective’ programme held at Abdul Nazeer Saab Hall of the Zilla Panchayat yesterday.

The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, DLSA and voluntary organisations.

Judge Usha Rani noted that the United Nations has observed July 30 as ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ since 2013. “It is not merely a ritual but a day of introspection and social awakening,” she said.

This year’s theme, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam’, highlights the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime networks that lure people into trafficking.

She said ensuring the physical, psychological, social and economic rehabilitation of survivors is a positive obligation of the State. Preventing trafficking is not solely the responsibility of the Police or Government agencies, she said, urging society to play its part by sensitising children to immediately report suspicious strangers to their parents, teachers or authorities.

In a recent joint raid conducted by the DLSA, Police, Revenue officials and NGOs at brick kilns in Devanahalli, Sosale hobli, 18 adults and seven children were rescued and issued release certificates. “Every citizen must remain vigilant and join hands to protect vulnerable sections and children,” she urged.

Rehabilitation, self-reliance

Varghese Cletus, President of ‘Vikas Organisation’, said the ‘Udaya Hejje Bonded Labourers’ Collective’ has so far helped free more than 150 bonded labourers and supported their rehabilitation. The Collective has also achieved self-reliance.

The Mysuru Collective now brings freed labourers together on a common platform, encouraging local leadership and helping them access Government benefits.

Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development R. Nagraju said the District Administration and the Police alone could not eradicate bonded labour and trafficking.

“Government and NGOs are two sides of the same coin. Only by working together can we achieve effective results,” he said adding that bonded labour and trafficking could be eliminated through humanity, compassion and trust, as envisaged by the Constitution.

Senior Civil Judge and Member-Secretary of DLSA Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi, Mysore Bar Association President S. Lokesh, Child Welfare Committee Chairman Ravichandra, ACP Rajendra and activists Pricy and Vijay Kumar were among those present at the programme.