A Study on Women and Child Trafficking in Bangladesh: The Case of Repatriated Victims

Abstract

Women and child trafficking is a gross violation of human rights. Women and children of Bangladesh are being trafficked in many ways. After repatriation of trafficking survivors are facing numerous challenges. This study aims to focus on the existing challenges in our legal mechanisms to convict the traffickers. In doing so, this study tries to explore the experiences of the survivors in the process of being trafficked, their life aboard and returning to Bangladesh. This study also made an effort to explore the obstacles in our socio-economic system in rehabilitation process of trafficking victims in their families and communities. In addition, this research has made a category-wise analysis of the victims based on the reports published in different newspapers. The research has extensively analyzed the in detailed interviews of ten trafficking survivors, seven key informants’ interviews and reports of four national daily newspapers. The interviews were conducted with the assistance of Shatkhira branch of a national NGO, named as CWCS, and HELP Coxsbazar. Besides, interviews were taken from some NGOs, INGOs, staff lawyers and counselors who are working in this field. The findings of the study show the shortcomings of the existing rehabilitation process and other government initiatives. It also shows inadequacy of the initiative taken by the NGOs and INGOs along with the challenges faced by them due to lack of funding and other external factors. Finally, the study offers number of recommendations such as to ensure justice of criminals’, increase of income that will stop the source of trafficking. The study also suggests that Government, donor agencies and other NGOs should collaborate with each other to strengthen the anti-trafficking program and facilitate the rehabilitation of victims.