Government Cooperation:

Agape would like to facilitate and work with the government of India to address these issues.  Even though laws are passed in parliament to address many of these issues, the main political leadership’s voices are still absent.  More federal laws must be passed to reduce the flow of human trafficking; state-to-state and internationally.  There is a great demand for young girls in the sexual slavery business, and only the government can reduce the supply of victims. ARF also plans to partner with the South Asia Forum against Human Trafficking (SAFAHT), an organization at work in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which is supported by UNIFEM and ATSEC in Delhi, to achieve this goal.

Our organization seeks to:

• Work with the government of India to address the issue of poverty, education, human rights violations and human trafficking.

• Work with newly elected members of Parliament to form a caucus based on the ideals of preventing human trafficking and child labor, eradicating poverty, and promoting human rights.

• Encourage the Indian government to create a strategic plan to work with neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Burma to have tougher penalties for those who violate the law.

• Promote greater awareness and legal training in the Judiciary, Customs and Immigration, and Police Force to increase detainment and prosecution of human traffickers. Train more female police officers in this field.

• Bring awareness of human trafficking to the public through media coverage, government and NGO-sponsored conferences and meetings.

• Work with local state governments and form human rights groups (from both the political and private sector) to monitor and implement the law.

• Work as an umbrella organization for all NGO’s who are working to combat human trafficking in India. This will help to establish better cooperation and strategic planning between the government and NGO’s in areas where human trafficking is more prevalent.

• Use the Lawyers association in India to fight cases in an effective manner. Many U.S. law schools offer their services to train lawyers in India. John Hopkins University has offered to partner with AIM to train Indian lawyers, the Judiciary, and police force.

• Bring awareness to the public through government agencies regarding the relationship between human trafficking and HIV/AIDS in India and surrounding nations.

• Develop and work with interfaith community leaders and develop plans to stop human trafficking as well as to rehabilitate those who are rescued by NGO’s.

Create an Advanced Training Diploma course for NGO Training:

ARF plans to develop a course at the University level for those that plan to work for NGO’s that deal with human trafficking, human rights, women’s rights and other social and ethical issues.  This diploma course will provide a holistic approach to address the issues they will face on a daily basis.  Such an advanced training curriculum does not currently exist in India. Graduates will be equipped to help to thousands of children and women while providing them with the proper care and support that they need. This advance diploma course will be offered in partnership with John Hopkins University (The Protection Project-SAIS) and Puducherry University in India. Johns Hopkins University’s experts will provide training for lawyers, law enforcement, and judicial officials.

Provide shelter for trafficked minor girls:

• Provide psychological evaluations and counseling for all victims.

• Provide job training and placement.

• Provide an environment in which the girls can grow physically and emotionally so that they can one day support themselves and live fulfilling lives.

To address the range of issues India is facing related to human trafficking, ARF aims to work with the government of India, educate relevant officials, and build partnerships between them and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the tragedy of human trafficking is addressed and eradicated. In order to achieve these goals, NGO advocates must be properly trained to provide necessary services, and victims must be given a safe haven to begin their rehabilitation.