Chennai edition of the global ‘Walk for Freedom’

The Chennai edition of the Walk was declared open by Chief Guest, Dr P.M. Nair, IPS Former Director General, National Disaster Response Force & Civil Defence, Govt. of India, international anti-trafficking expert and ‘father of the anti-human trafficking police units’. Speaking on the occasion, he said “Every human being has the right to be free; yet thousands among us are trapped in human trafficking. It’s the duty of every responsible citizen to take action, and help end this crime.”  

At the start of the Walk for Freedom, participants in Chennai and across the nation took a pledge to do everything possible within their means to help end trafficking in their lifetimes. They then walked single file holding placards with information and statistics about human trafficking starting from and returning to Besant Nagar Beach, via public roads in the vicinity. 

This was Chennai’s third year participating in the Walk for Freedom, and brings together citizens from colleges such as Madras School of Social Work, SDNB Vaishnav College, IIT Madras, Madras Christian College, Loyola College, corporates such as  HDFC Sales Pvt Ltd, Sutherland Global Foundation,  non-profits such as Justice & Hope, Charis Foundation, Vision Rescue, Oasis India, Living Water India, World Vision India, etc Eatopia, a wholesome indulgence snacking brand has  partnered with The Movement India as ‘Evil-Free Food Partner’ and provided refreshments for all Walks nationwide. 

According to the International Labour Organisation (2022) 49.6 million are caught in various forms of modern-day slavery globally, including exploitation for commercial sex, labour, organs, forced marriages and domestic servitude. The National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) recorded a 27.7% increase in registered cases of human trafficking in 2021 as compared to 2020, with 8 children being trafficked every day in 2021, in India. 

 “The lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened pre-existing vulnerability–making countless individuals more susceptible to traffickers tactics than ever before. That's why Walk For Freedom is more important than ever -- because awareness is essential to safeguarding vulnerable populations from the schemes of traffickers. There's power in gathering together, in showing up in force, and equipping communities across the world with the tools to reduce vulnerability and identify victims, and take action right where they are.” – CHRISTINE CAINE, A21 founder. 

“We believe that one day we will see an India completely free of the crime of human trafficking. When every single citizen is made aware of the crime, ways to spot it and ways to stop it, we believe that human trafficking can be eradicated.” - BIJU THAMPY, The Movement India founder. 

Over 500 citizens from corporates, colleges and NGOs participated in the Walk for Freedom to raise awareness about human trafficking at Chennai on 15th October 2022 at Besant Nagar Beach. It is reported that 19 other cities across India participated in the Walk on Saturday morning; these include Mumbai, Chennai. Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Shillong, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Anantapur, Chittoor, Madanapalli, Kochi, Ettumanoor, Thiruvanathapuram, Wayanad, Kollam, Kottayam.

 

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