JVI partnered with local organizations and the government to conduct multiple training programs in March and April of 2022 for border patrol troops, known as Sashastra Seema Bal, stationed at the India/Nepal border.
Since the 1950s, people and goods have been allowed to move freely across the nearly 1,800-km India-Nepal border. Yet, this open border also remains susceptible to a host of illegal activities taking place across largely unmanned border points, including the illicit smuggling and trafficking of people. India happens to be a major destination as well as transit country for trafficking people from Nepal, and many border towns in Indian states, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, serve as key areas used by traffickers to facilitate their activities. *
The training was designed to orient the troops on the current laws, policies, challenges, and best practices concerning anti-human trafficking, as well as, physiological training about how to tackle cross-border trafficking through different methods. The training included many examples of real-life scenarios with group interaction among the troops and trainers. Trainers also focused on making arrests, trials, aftercare, and securing NGO/police support. The troops were very grateful and requested more training in the future for new troops.
JVI believes that injustice can only be solved when local partners and global stakeholders come together. Through our partnership model, JVI is securing freedom for individuals suffering from human trafficking and extreme injustice; strengthening hundreds of community organizations, and businesses through legal services, training, and other professional services; and improving justice systems by conducting research, advocation for changes in policies and laws, and building justice networks linking local and global advocates to protect the vulnerable from abuse and oppression.
*https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/need-integrated-sops-combat-human-trafficking-along-india-nepal-border/
