Through partnerships with like-minded, anti-human trafficking organizations, Justice Ventures International (JVI) has brought thousands out of slavery and into freedom. This partnership model has proven, time and again, to be an effective and efficient strategy in confronting modern-day slavery.
In October 2021, one of JVI’s partners, Duncan Hospital, aided the Labour Department in rescuing six minors from forced child labor in Bihar. The rescue team raided three establishments (a hotel, a garage and a grocery store) where the children were found working long hours in hazardous conditions. Forced to perform manual labor such as washing pots and pans, carrying fuel for stoves and repairing vehicles, the victims were not in good health and needed medical attention. The team acted quickly to ensure the victims were removed from the site while the police gathered evidence from the facility.
Once rescued, the survivors appeared before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further debriefing. Based on statements from the survivors, the Labour Enforcement Officer registered a case against the owners of these establishments. JVI lawyers will represent each survivor in court where they will ensure the perpetrators face both legal as well as financial consequences for their actions.
All survivors have been reunited with their families. JVI staff will work closely with the Labour Department to secure back wages for them. Additionally, each survivor will participate in JVI’s Aftercare program, through which they will have access to various government benefits, education and the right to live in freedom.
