Lok Sabha approves Anti Trafficking Bill 2018

The new bill will make India a leader among South Asian countries to curb all forms of human trafficking.

Lok Sabha has approved the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018.

Maneka Gandhi, Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development today presented the bill in the Lok Sabha. The Bill addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children.

The Bill has been prepared in consultation with Ministries, Departments, State Governments, NGOs and domain experts and also incorporates a large number of suggestions received by the WCD Ministry.

Key features of the bill include:

• Addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation.
• Covers new forms of aggravated trafficking
• Stringent punishments for promoting or facilitating trafficking of a person
• The confidentiality of victims/ witnesses and complainants by not disclosing their identity.
• Time-bound trial and repatriation of the victims - within a period of one year from taking into cognizance
• Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases.
• Monetary relief and compensation
• institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level
• Attachment and forfeiture of property

Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. The new bill will make India a leader among South Asian countries to curb all forms of human trafficking.

#AntiTraffickingBill2018: A comprehensive legislation to bridge the existing gaps to curb all forms of trafficking. @MIB_India @PIB_India @DDNewsLive @airnewsalerts @k_satyarthi @DeepaAthlete @UNICEFIndia @unwomenindia @NCPCR_ @NCWIndia @CHILDLINE1098 pic.twitter.com/mc5OsFKclM

— Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) July 26, 2018