Andhra Pradesh trafficking victims, survivors demand election manifesto inclusion

VIJAYAWADA: VIMUKTHI – a state-level forum comprised of rescued survivors of trafficking and victims of commercial sexual exploitation (women in prostitution), alongside like-minded organisations has urged political parties to address their issues in election manifesto for ensuing Andhra Pradesh Elections 2024.

The survivors face stigma and discrimination within their families, society, and even from the government. They are also deprived of rehabilitation services and victim compensation. As the forthcoming general elections approach, they want their demands incorporated into the respective election manifestos.

Addressing the media, Apurva, president of VIMUKTHI, said, "According to Government of India statistics, there were 1.40 lakh women in prostitution by the year 2022, with Andhra Pradesh ranking first in the number of women entering prostitution, which is increasing daily. Mainly, 10–15 percent of women enter this trade due to lack of livelihood options, financial distress within their families, and through coercion under the guise of love, employment, and livelihood opportunities. The average age of new entrants into prostitution ranges from 18 to 40 years, with approximately 10 percent leaving the profession due to age factors. Apurva emphasized that both state and central governments have failed to provide fair rehabilitation, victim compensation, and other support services to rescued survivors of human trafficking and victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

Pushpa, Secretary of VIMUKTHI, said, "Every citizen has the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the constitution. However, women in prostitution and their children face severe stigma and discrimination in society, making it challenging for them to live with dignity. For instance, children of women in prostitution encounter stigma during school admissions and face obstacles in accessing employment opportunities and public welfare services. VIMUKTHI, as a state-level forum of rescued survivors of trafficking and victims of commercial sexual exploitation, is determined to vote for political parties and candidates who consider their issues and demands and incorporate them into their election manifestos."

Their representation includes nine demands to be included in the election manifestos of all political parties. These demands include the establishment of a state-specific policy for Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in Andhra Pradesh, provision of basic needs and services, education, and pension for women in prostitution over 40 years of age.

They also demanded that all rescued survivors of trafficking and victims of CSE have access to victim compensation within three months, enactment and enforcement of comprehensive legislation to curb trafficking, direct involvement of anti-human trafficking units in handling cases, and the appointment of rescued survivors of trafficking and victims of CSE as members in government committees for policy framing, implementation, review, and monitoring of anti-human trafficking programs and interventions.