Dharwad: Human trafficking is a serious social menace in the country, and every citizen has a crucial role to play in eradicating it, said senior civil judge Allappa Badiger. He was speaking after inaugurating a legal awareness programme organised to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the ADR Building of the Dharwad Civil Court on Thursday.Badiger noted that stringent legal action is being taken against those involved in human trafficking. “The objective of the law is not only to punish offenders but also to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of victims,” he said. He called upon the police, judiciary, NGOs and the public to work together in a coordinated manner to prevent human trafficking and build a safer society.District child protection officer Deepa Javoor said awareness programmes on preventing human trafficking are being conducted in schools. However, she stressed the need to identify school dropouts and include them in such campaigns to ensure wider outreach. The participants also took a pledge to work towards creating a society free from human trafficking and exploitation.
