After two years without sufficient access to water, a community of bonded labor survivors has flowing water in their village.
This community in northern India had been enslaved in bonded labor until the local Justice Hub and law enforcement rescued them from captivity. During the restoration process, the Justice Hub team observed that the village’s water source had dried up, leaving them with an empty riverbed.
The lack of access to sufficient water resulted in compromised hygiene, which caused illnesses, and the inability to keep the children clean and clothing washed made the villagers reluctant to send the children to school. Moreover, the lack of water resulted in a diet that was neither varied nor healthy. A new water source was vital to the community’s well-being, and the team noted that without it, the community was susceptible to being re-trafficked into bonded labor.
The Justice Hub and survivors worked together to advocate for the installation of a water system. Through persistent efforts, they were granted access to government programs that assist with various water accessibility development opportunities.
Today, water has been restored to the village. The survivor community is living in healthier conditions, starting a vegetable garden, preparing to send their children to school, and growing in confidence to gain financial stability.
