ANNUAL REPORT SOUTH ASIA 2017

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT SOUTH ASIA 2017

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Greetings 1 About Ecpat Luxembourg 3 Projects of ECPAT Luxembourg 4 ECPAT Luxembourg in Services from ECPAT Luxembourg in Nepal Combating Early and forced child marriage: Dailekh and Bardiya districts, Nepal 11 Prevention and protection of from sexual exploitation in adult entertainment/ anti trafficking and tourism sector: Kaski district, Nepal 14 Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children, including internal trafficking, in Adult Entertainment sector: Kathmandu district, Nepal 16 Preventing and protecting against online sexual abuse: Lalitpur district, Nepal 19 Combating Human Trafficking for Sexual exploitation in Source & Destination: Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Goa, India 23 A reflection of our activities 28 Financial 29 Moving Forward 30 2 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 3

3 FOREWORD Our vision is a world in which no child shall be threatened by or be a victim of prostitution, pornography, and trafficking for sexual purposes or any other form of sexual exploitation of (SEC) was an exciting and busy year of growth and achievement for ECPAT Luxembourg s South Asia program. We are very glad to have initiated three new project responses against sexual exploitation in Nepal. Further, project MUKTI, an anti-child trafficking response in India and the response against online sexual exploitation in Nepal which started from 2015/2016 cycle, were given continuity. This was an exciting period for us as long envisioned interventions materialized and older projects started delivering results, and brought many key stakeholders, including the government, under a united platform, to effectively address the emerging threat and incidences of sexual exploitation in South Asia. Program response against exposed to or working in Nepal s adult entertainment sector (AES) were initiated in July and October of 2017 in two key districts of Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara respectively. The AES response programs in both the districts also address internal trafficking in source areas. Studies indicate that there have been increased rates of from Earthquake affected districts who have moved to Kathmandu and Pokhara and some finding work in the AES of these districts. We are also thrilled to have initiated a project to address early child and forced marriage (EFM) in two mid-western districts of Nepal, where practice of EFM is still significant. The ECPAT fraternity considers the marriage of and adolescents under the age of 18 to be a form of commercial sexual exploitation when the child is used for sexual purposes in exchange for goods or payment in cash or in-kind. The project since its initiation in mid-2017 has been received very well by the local government of both the districts, and have felt our approach meaningful in contributing towards the goal of ending child marriage in the region and in fact, contributing towards Nepal s overall goal of ending child marriage by Online exploitation is an emerging form of sexual exploitation in Nepal, as access to mobile communications and internet technology in urban and rural Nepal have increased significantly. With interventions through our local partner, we have been able to reach students, teachers and parents to make them aware on ways to remaining safe and responding to online 4 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 1

4 Our mission is to end the sexual exploitation of Children as well as to sensitize and inform public opinion on the Rights of the Child to protection against SEC. To identify and facilitate prevention, recovery, and reintegration programs for and the s families who are vulnerable to and/or victims of SEC. sexual exploitation. ECPAT Luxembourg is also pleased to coordinate its efforts with key private and government stakeholders such as the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, internet service providers (ISPs) in Nepal, the Cybercrime Department and the Central Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police. Project Mukti (freedom), a response against child trafficking for sexual purposes and child sexual abuse in India, implemented by four dedicated NGOs was able to facilitate in 90 rescues and provide rehabilitation and reintegration support to 154 victims of trafficking in Further Mukti also delivered meaningful outcomes working with community systems and state Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) to address child trafficking and sexual abuse in the region. Our interventions in 2017 would not have been possible without our valued part nership with our implementing NGO partners, community leaders and stakeholders who were extremely positive and supportive of our efforts. We thank you all for your support! ECPAT Luxembourg is also grateful to the government of Nepal and India for letting us contribute to their commitment to protecting at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation. Our programs in South Asia are growing and we hope that through collaboration and strategic partnership with the government and key stakeholders, we will continue to contribute meaningfully in addressing the common resolve of keeping vulnerable safe from sexual abuse and exploitation. We once again wish to thank all our supporters, in Luxembourg and Asia, who have contributed and have been there side by side in our efforts towards making a meaningful difference on the lives of. We invite you all to take a moment to read this report and to work with us towards a world free of sexual exploitation of. Thomas Kauffmann Executive Director Ashish Sinha Regional Representative South Asia 2 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 3

5 ABOUT ECPAT LUXEMBOURG OUR VALUES ECPAT Luxembourg is a non-profit association founded in 1995 and recognized by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Non-Governmental Organization for development. It is a member of the global ECPAT network with currently 104 members in 93 countries working to end sexual exploitation of. ECPAT Luxembourg is placed under the High Patronage of Her Royal Highness the Grand-Duchess. Its head office is located in Luxembourg City and run by a team of four persons: two for cooperation projects, one for awareness raising activities, and one for fundraising and communication. Two regional offices staffed with 3 persons each are located in Bamako, Mali and Kathmandu, Nepal. The ECPAT Luxembourg team is composed of 10 persons. ECPAT Luxembourg works in the following geographical locations: 1. In Luxembourg and Europe through awareness campaigns (together with other European ECPATs), advocacy, and lobbying with Luxembourgish and global authorities. Our organization also guides a youth group to conduct different peer to peer sensitization activities. ECPAT Luxembourg is the Local Code Representative ( org/) for the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and as such guides and proposes training to businesses from the tourism and private sector. We also coordinated the writing of the Luxembourg Guidelines. ( luxembourgguidelines.org/english-version/) 2. In West Africa and in South Asia, ECPAT Luxembourg s regional offices are registered with national authorities. Activities developed there are implemented in collaboration with local partners. ECPAT Luxembourg engages in building capacities of its partners to enable them to fight SEC with greater efficacy. ECPAT Luxembourg supports countries in South Asia through prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration projects for who are vulnerable to and/or victims of sexual exploitation. These projects include awareness and prevention efforts among at-risk and communities, as well as managing cases of child victims. ECPAT Luxembourg also supports action research intended to improve our understanding of how sexual exploitation of evolves with time and new geographic areas affected. We defend the spirit of partnership in all our actions whether with other ECPAT members or with local associations. Each actor preserves its autonomy but accepts to join hands in a common effort to end SEC. PARTNERSHIP SOVEREIGNTY We do not compromise on our sovereignty. Our decisions to intervene are not subject to any political, religious or economic agenda but are guided by our vision and our mission. We work with our beneficiaries without any ethnic, political, religious or economic discrimination. Our object if is to meet needs with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness. NON DISCRIMINATION PARTICIPATION Rather than just a methodology, we regard the active participation of in our projects as their fundamental right, as laid down in Article 12 of the UN CRC. 4 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 5

6 ECPAT LUXEMBOURG IN SOUTH ASIA OUR FOCUS KEY AREAS ECPAT Luxembourg s development partnership in South Asia started from India in 2001 and expanded to Nepal in Our activities are child-centered and focus primarily on prevention and protection from sexual abuse and exploitation of. The second phase of ECPAT Luxembourg s interventions in Nepal began in 2012, progressively redirecting interventions to protect the most vulnerable. The year 2015 marked the start of a regional presence for ECPAT Luxembourg in South Asia. Along with ongoing projects in Nepal, ECPAT Luxembourg started the MUKTI project in India in October The project involves addressing trafficking of for sexual purposes in three North Indian source states and a destination state in South India. Various studies and reports over the years indicate that SEC is a growing concern in South Asia. A 2014 report from ECPAT International also confirms that despite increased awareness and recognition of the problem in the region, as well as enhanced efforts by concerned duty-bearers to develop response mechanisms, SEC continues to be one of the most widespread and pervasive violations of s rights in South Asia, affecting millions of, (ECPAT International. Sexual Exploitation of Children in South Asia. 2014:17). SEC across South Asia have similar manifestations and common causes. The majority of countries in the region have intercountry ties with cross-country migration, trade, and commerce flourishing for generations. Also, intercountry trafficking of for sexual purposes in South Asia is on the rise. The need for a strong regional response was felt by ECPAT Luxembourg, a response backed by strong cross country learnings and cross country interventions. ECPAT Luxembourg intends to utilize its rich experience of implementing evidenceinformed programs in the region for meaningful outcomes and greater impact at a regional level. ECPAT Luxembourg s project activities are jointly implemented with local partners who have significant experience working in the child protection sector in their respective regions. Their collective expertise and experience have proved to be crucial in achieving the main objectives of the South Asia program. This report provides descriptions of their work. Children, concerned stakeholders, and the general public are informed about the rights of in general and about child sexual abuse and exploitation in particular. Children are schooled with the aim of improving their status, empowering them and reducing their vulnerability to sexual abuse and exploitation. PREVENTION CAPACITY BUILDING Capacities of key stakeholders in the community and of partner organizations are enhanced to protect against sexual abuse and exploitation. Child victims-survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation are rescued and have access to services necessary for their protection. RESCUE, REHABILITATION & REINTEGRATION ADVOCACY Evidence-based advocacy initiatives are implemented to influence policy changes at local and national level to better address sexual exploitation of. 6 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 7

7 ECPAT LUXEMBOURG IN SOUTH ASIA, ,341 Key stakeholders sensitized (including nearly 20,000 ) 135 Sexually exploited in the region rescued Child victims received direct services in closed settings Strategically important actors such as law enforcers, teachers, lawyers etc., trained SERVICES FROM ECPAT LUXEMBOURG IN 2017 IN NEPAL Number of persons among target groups sensitized Number of activities conducted Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened Number of reached advocacy reached communities action research communities trained (vocational) 38 public authorities awareness child protection actors network & capacity building child protection actors directly supported (victims & vulnerable ) 124 benefitted from psychosocial, legal, & medical assistance reunified with families &/or involved in an income-generating activity SERVICES FROM ECPAT LUXEMBOURG IN 2017 IN INDIA Number of persons among target groups sensitized Number of activities conducted Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened Number of reached advocacy reached 39 communities awareness communities trained (vocational) reunified with families &/or involved in an income-generating activity 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 public authorities 958 child protection actors network & capacity building public authorities directly supported (victims & vulnerable ) child protection actors benefitted from psychosocial, legal, & medical assistance 92 protected 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 9

8 COMBATING EARLY AND FORCED MARRIAGE: DAILEKH AND BARDIYA DISTRICTS (MID-WESTERN NEPAL) IMPLEMENTING PARTNER - AAWAJ A strategic response against EFM in partnership with Awaaj Nepal, started from August 2017 in Bardiya and Dailekh districts, situated in Province 6 (Mid Western) Nepal with an informed baseline study, which showed the incidence of EFM as still significant in both the districts. Various cultural and economic factors seemed to have contributed to the continuation of EFM practices in the area, though legally, the practice has been outlawed by the Government of Nepal. The initial achievements in 2017 showed promising results and reflect on the need for such interventions in the region. The project has been able to forge strong partnership with district and local level government and non-governmental organizations to press on against early and forced marriage (EFM) in the region. The implementing partner wishes to declare its working area as EFM free area by the end of project period! KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT The key components of the project response include: strategic awareness and sensitization in vulnerable communities on harmful practices and consequences of EFM, working closely with duty bearers and cultural/ religious gatekeepers and working with survivors of EFM. A total of six child-friendly spaces (CFS) have been established in poor and marginalized community settings with high incidences of EFM, where regular interactions, tuition support, and various educational and entertaining engagements with and communities are provided. One of the major objectives of the CFS is to keep in school, which is often regarded as a critical safety net to prevent child marriage (ECPAT / Plan, 2015:381 ). Celebration on 16 days campaign against violence Further, six child protection committees and six brothers group involving young males for EFM response have been formed to strengthen community systems to respond to EFM. Also, six survivors groups have been formed in These groups are actively engaging communities and survivors in the campaign against EFM. 1 ECPAT International, Plan International Thematic Report: Unrecognized Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in Child, Early and Forced Marriage 10 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 11

9 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 As a result, 21 girls about to be engaged in EFM have been rescued, provided psychosocial counseling, legal counseling, and emergency support. Religious priests have started asking the age of bride and groom during the wedding where they are invited to the marriage ceremony. In one instance, it was shared with the project that a priest denied conducting the marriage ritual because the bride was a child. Cases of child marriage are now being reported to the Nepal Police office, Women and Child office, Village/Municipality office and Ward offices. So far 19 cases of early child marriage as well as 3 cases of rape, were reported by the partner NGO. Currently, nearly 200 are benefiting from tuition Interaction with ECM survivors, parents and other services from the CFS. It has been observed that are attending school regularly and drop out has decreased. Children now have a proper place for studying, learning new things, and preparing for examinations. Earlier school dropouts have joined CFS and are regularly visiting these centers. Several are planning to join school in the forthcoming session. Furthermore,, parents and the communities are also made aware of child protection, sexual abuse, child marriage and other social issues from the CFS. Acknowledging the benefits, community members have taken the initiative to establish an additional CFS with their own financial contribution. Interaction with CFS parents from Dailekh Achievements: Aawaaz - Combating early and forced marriage: Dailekh and Bardiya districts (Nepal) Number of persons among target groups sensitized Number of activities conducted Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened Number of advocacy baseline study communities 47 identified as vulnerable and/or victim 36 reunified with families &/or involved in an income-generating activity 12 ANNUAL REPORT communities 425 public authorities 34 awareness 166 child protection actors 3 network & capacity building public authorities 38 protected directly supported (victims & vulnerable ) in a center 59 benefitted psychosocial, legal, & medical assistance trained (vocational) 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 13

10 PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT/ ANTI TRAFFICKING AND TOURISM SECTOR: KASKI DISTRICT, NEPAL IMPLEMENTING PARTNER - SHAKTI SAMUHA 5 at risk were identified in the initial months of the project in areas such as bus parks and slums. One street child who was sexually exploited in AES setting was provided emergency medical and shelter support from Shakti Samuha shelter home, Pokhara. A two year project in response to sexual exploitation in Pokhara s AES started in October 2017 with Shakti Samuha, an organization run by survivors of human trafficking. Pokhara is a world renowned tourist hub in Western Nepal and is also the gateway to some of the most famous trekking routes in the world. The principal objective of the project is to ensure prevention and protection of from sexual exploitation in Pokhara s growing adult entertainment and hospitality industry, which is catered for internal and foreign tourists. Interaction workshop with District Stakeholders of Kaski Shakti Samuha - Prevention and Protection of Children from sexual exploitation in Adult Entertainment and Tourism Sector Number of persons among target groups sensitized Number of activities conducted 5 1 baseline study communities public authorities child protection actors KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT The key components of project response include: strategic outreach through front line workers and awareness building on vulnerabilities of sexual exploitation in entertainment and hospitality sector; withdrawal of from AES; rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of who are victims of sexual exploitation; working closely with government and tourism entrepreneurs to make it a dignified and safe sector for those involved in it. Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened Number of 5 child protection actors 4 identified as vulnerable and/or victim MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 Though the project was initiated late in 2017, a baseline study was conducted which provided gain in-depth understanding on the context and involvement of in AES. Further, initial consultations and engagements with key stakeholders took place, including the law enforcement agencies, hotel owners and taxi drivers association to forge an understanding on how best should be prevented from being involved in AES and from being sexually exploited. Interaction with students * Note: the achievements on the above table is only reflective of 2 months of work in ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 15

11 PREVENTING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN, INCLUDING INTERNAL TRAFFICKING, IN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR: KATHMANDU DISTRICT, NEPAL IMPLEMENTING PARTNER - BISWAS NEPAL A 2.5 year project response against SEC in AES started in July 2017 by Biswas Nepal, an organization fighting against sexual exploitation and child labor in Kathmandu s adult entertainment sector. KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT The key components of project response include: reaching out to and adolescents engaged in adult entertainment sector and sensitizing them on the vulnerabilities of sexual exploitation in entertainment sector and provision of Drop in Center (DIC) for AES workers, especially and adolescents. The project is especially focused on withdrawing from AES and providing rehabilitation and reintegration support to ensure that live healthy and normal lives and do not return to AES. The project also seeks to work closely with the local government and key stakeholders in source districts where come from, to prevent from entering into AES in Kathmandu. A baseline study on situation of AES and exploitation of was also conducted during the start of the project. Some of the crucial survey findings conducted among 315 exposed to AES were as follows: A majority of the respondents (68.8%) reported working as a waitress, however, a large number of them (46.6%) had to do additional duties, including cleaning and washing (82.7%), and staying with customers in cabin and provide intimate company (29.5%), and provide sexual favors to customers (17.9%). A large number of respondents (75.2%) reported they were sexually harassed by the customers (97.1%) and also by owners (19.4%) in the course of their work. Almost half of the respondents worked more than eight hours and had to work overtime (68.6%) as well but most of them (85.8%) were not compensated for it. Survey findings conducted among 315 exposed to AES 68.8% reported working as a waitress 46.6% had to do additional duties 82.7% cleaning and washing company 29.5% staying with customers in cabin and provide intimate company 17.9% provide sexual favors to customers A majority of respondents (55.9%) said that they were not forced to adopt a bad habit and those who were, were forced to drink alcohol (93.2%), smoke (68.8%) or have sex with customers (22.7%) or take drugs (23.3%). A majority of respondents (58.1) were dissatisfied with the job because of sexual harassment (77.6%) they have to go through during their work. Most of the respondents wanted to change the job (71.1%) and did not want others to join this sector (92.7%). MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 Biswas Nepal was able to utilize its close access to the AES community and for the program period 226 were reached by outreach workers. The IP is gaining strides in developing advocacy issues for the rights of workers in AES and to rigorously address child labor and exploitation in AES through working partnership with national network organizations such as Child for Rights and Alliance Against Trafficking of Women in Nepal (AATWIN). A collective advocacy is a must to regulate AES in Kathmandu, especially as crucial women and child protection entities in the local government have become passive in the transition phase of governance restructuring. An active government mechanism is a must to strictly monitor and ensure that no are involved in AES and to ensure that those currently involved are provided longer term services and rehabilitation. 49 exposed to AES visited the DIC 14 girls were equipped with critical information on legal issues pertaining to their rights 4 girls received psychosocial counseling support 19 participated in Entrepreneurship Development training Girls from AES participating in Life skill training 43 girls participated in Life Skills and Health & Hygiene sessions The sexual harassment ranged from touching private organs against their will to masturbate and rape. 16 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 17

12 Process Indicators: Biswas Nepal - Prevention of Children from sexual exploitation in Adult Entertainment Sector & from internal trafficking: Kathmandu district Number of persons among target groups sensitized Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened communities public authorities 5 child protection actors child protection actors PREVENTING AND PROTECTING CHILDREN AGAINST ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE: LALITPUR DISTRICT, NEPAL IMPLEMENTING PARTNER - VOICE OF CHILDREN Online exploitation of is the new frontier of sexual exploitation of globally, and also in Nepal, and as the baseline study pointed out, many, including and key stakeholders are unaware of staying safe from online abuse. Primary focus for this project therefore was on conducting significant awareness campaigns in and around the country through various media platforms to ensure that and key stakeholders are aware and safe from possible online sexual exploitation. KEY COMPONENTS OF PROJECT The project response on SECO focuses on: mass sensitization and awareness creation on reducing risks of SECO and child sexual abuse (CSA) amongst and adolescence; direct assistance to CSA and SECO victims and families for their protection, recovery and reintegration; and, advocacy for informed policies on prevention of SECO and protection of child victims. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 ECPAT Luxembourg in coordination with the local partner was able to coordinate and work with key government and non-government agencies such as the Nepal Telecom Authority, the Cyber Crime Department of Nepal Police, and different internet service providers to explore possibilities for stronger mechanism and infrastructure to ensure protection of online. A total of 9,392 students, 62 school teachers, and 471 parents, 30 internet service providers were reached and equipped with critical knowledge on keeping oneself safe against online sexual exploitation. Eleven child protection committees were established in vulnerable locations on the Southern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley and competency development activities were organized for social mobilizers of district development committees and municipalities People reached & equipped with critical knowledge on keeping safe against online sexual exploitation 9,392 students 471 parents 62 school teachers 30 Internet service providers The SECO project outcomes have been recognized from various quarters. The baseline information on the incidence and scenario of SECO was cited by the Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB), an apex government Child Protection body in Nepal, in their National State of the Children Report 18 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 19

13 (2017). Major national dailies cited the reference of this report in their articles. Various government officials have started to request the partner organization to conduct the orientation session. Combating Sexual Exploitation of Children Online Lalitpur Number of persons among target groups sensitized communities public authorities child protection actors A baseline study finding dissemination on SECO in program areas was also organized in early 2017, which was attended by key child protection entities in the country. Some of the crucial findings of the study conducted among 452 in Kathmandu had following revelations: two thirds (75%) of didn t have information to secure themselves from possible online sexual exploitation. Also, an overwhelming majority (72%) of the respondents did not know what they should do or the services available in case they encounter sexually abusive situations online. The Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey showed that nearly 40% of the survey respondents said that they sometimes shared pictures with unknown persons in the internet and 3% said that they frequently share pictures with unknown persons. The survey also identified that nearly a quarter (21%) of had a history of sharing password of their social sites with others. Nearly two thirds (72.1%) of in the survey said they had a Facebook account. Findings from focus group sessions showed that as young as 11 have Facebook accounts with fake age verification or from parent s ID. There is serious need for Nepal to look at its legal frameworks to effectively address online sexual exploitation. Also, there is urgent need to educate, parents and teachers on the benefits and safe use of the Internet and to educate parents and teachers about parental control systems in their mobile, laptops, computer and other similar devices. Community oriented shows i.e. street dramas, flash mob, and puppet show on child sexual abuse have helped to inform and aware about CSA/SECO in community and schools to make them aware of their role to minimize it. The shows received positive feedback, and more schools are requesting to exhibit street drama and puppet shows in their school as well. Different workshops have been conducted with key stakeholders including, peer educators, teachers, government officials, journalists, caregivers, and social workers. Students performing flash Mob at Mangal Bazar Lalitpur Shooting of Television program Net Set Go Number of activities conducted Number of persons among target groups trained, competences strengthened Number of 24 advocacy identified as vulnerable and/or victim 8 education support research-action 18 communities 43 protected 38 reunified with families &/or employed or involved in an income-generating activity, whose family s economic situation is reinforced awareness 89 child protection actors 344 direct support (to victims & vulnerable ) in a center network & capacity building 124 psychosocial, legal, & medical assistance 20 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 21

14 COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN SOURCE & DESTINATION: MANIPUR, ASSAM, WEST BENGAL AND GOA, INDIA IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS - ARZ, MARG, FXB INDIA SURAKSHA, GOLD From October 2015, project MUKTI has been working to curb child trafficking, protect those trafficked, and prosecute traffickers in Assam, West Bengal, and Manipur where a large number of trafficking cases originate (source) and in Goa where many victims end up (destination). The year 2017 saw the continuation of MUKTI with more achievements and strengthening of coordination with the State and District government and law enforcement entities. MUKTI has been working closely with and adolescent victims of trafficking for sexual purposes: studies were conducted, project introduced to stakeholders, and rehabilitation, repatriation, social and economic reintegration services were provided. Person missing from West Bengal ,514 ARZ (Annaya Rahit Zindagi), Goa, fights trafficking for sexual purposes. National Crime Report Bureau reports that Goa is among the highest crime rates against in India. Victims are brought to Goa from across India and foreign countries such as Nepal, Thailand, and Russia for sexual exploitation. Over 15-months, ARZ rescued more than 100 victims. MARG, is a local NGO fights trafficking in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. Those missing from West Bengal increased from 196 in 2001 to 6,514 in MARG has formed self-help groups targeting drivers, students, and community members. A Students Against Trafficking Club (SACT) received the Bravery Award from the Government of India for busting a sex racket based in Delhi. 22 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 23

15 GOLD, an NGO based in Guwahati is working closely with the State Government of Assam and the law enforcement entities in raising awareness, rescue and protection, and rehabilitation of victims. According to the Ministry of Women and Development of the Child, trafficking is highest in Assam and its capital, Guwahati, is a prime destination. Tribal and scheduled caste dominated villages have high numbers of missing girls that are unreported. FXB India Suraksha is implementing MUKTI activities in the state of Manipur. An identified source for trafficking of and young girls, victims from Manipur are trafficked to Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and international destinations. The project raises awareness against trafficking of for sexual purposes and against child sexual abuse. KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT The key focus of MUKTI project is to raise awareness to create community resiliency against trafficking of for sexual purposes and child sexual abuse; facilitate the rescue of and adolescence, provide rehabilitation and reintegration services; ensure results based coordination and collaboration with key stakeholders to establish effective mechanisms against child trafficking in the program area; build capacity of service providers and critical community entities; strengthen community systems at local and state levels to fight child trafficking. Project MUKTI also supports international repatriation of rescued victims and works closely with regional NGOs and State actors of various South Asian countries. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017 There were some notable achievements of MUKTI project in 2017 in its fight against child trafficking and child sexual abuse in strategic source and destination states of India. Altogether 90 victims of trafficking were rescued from vulnerable situations. Goa is still a hotbed for traffickers and our data show that the victims rescued in Goa during the year were from around 14 states of India and around 4 different countries. Among them, significant number were nationals of Bangladesh. This resulted in coordinating with the concerned state/country Government and Non-Government Agencies and embassies/high commissions for home verification, travel documents, rehabilitation, and arranging for protection of the victim. The information from the rescue data showed that even highly literate girls were trafficked. They were lured with employment opportunities and facilities offered through the network and the internet. The dynamics of trafficking is changing day by day a traditional sense of a red light brothel based sex work has changed to a non-traceable solicitation through mobile phones and the internet, where deals are made and services are provided. This has made it difficult to catch perpetrators. Furthermore, awareness against trafficking of for sexual purposes and child sexual abuse were carried out in most vulnerable areas of three source States of North Eastern India, in which nearly 12 thousand school (11,786) were reached with evidence informed school orientation activities. Further 1,650 key district stakeholders, 898 parents, 54 religious leaders, 220 teachers, 482 Human Right community members, 30 journalists, and 11 travel and tourism personnel were sensitized and informed of measures to address the issue of trafficking of for sexual purposes and child sexual abuse. Furthermore, 84 caregivers from shelter home and CBOS were trained on child protection and 14 self-help groups were formed at community to prevent HT, identify and report abuse cases, and provide information to the community. Competency development of key state / government stakeholders in partnership with the state government was initiated to ensure improved systems at the district and State level to prevent trafficking. In particular, 443 law enforcement personnel including those involved in Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), 644 Women and child development (WCD) staff, 156 teachers, 102 government officials including the judiciary and 47 lawyers were trained to understand and address HT and CSA. Furthermore, community systems in source states were strengthened through the formation of 8 anti- human trafficking clubs which are made up of students, drivers and villagers. 17 youth clubs were formed at schools and 178 members of the club were sensitized/ trained on how to protect themselves and prevent HT and CSA. Also, 2 support groups and 4 support groups were formed in Goa. Annual review meeting of Mukti Team Out Reach workers and psycho social counselor presenting the information related to project FXB India Surkasha was nominated as member of District Steering and Monitoring Committee for Women Helpline (meant for women in distress/ victim of violence) for Ukhrul district, Manipur under the chairmanship of the Deputy Collector. The local governments in the state of Manipur and Assam were supported by MUKTI partners to maintain social registers at the panchayat level to record migration. Mukti partners support the government by providing required material to record the migration register. FXB in Assam has taken initiative to coordinate with the corporate and private business sector of Assam for employment placement and vocational training opportunities for survivors of trafficking. Also, ARZ in Goa is successfully running a laundry service called Swift Wash, catering to the growing tourist industry in Goa. Total 13 survivors are placed in this company as an employee. 24 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 25

16 MUKTI ACHIEVEMENTS 138 survivors of human trafficking provided legal assistance 32 arrests of traffickers facilitated and 19 child victims supported for education 100 home investigations of survivors were conducted 154 survivors of trafficking rehabilitated through MUKTI response 90 survivors reintegrated in the society 17 non-indian survivors repatriated to home country in cooperation with diplomatic missions and embassies. 13 survivors received job placement support A REFLECTION OF OUR ACTIVITIES The region of South Asia has witnessed socio-political upheavals and changes, and continues to be a vulnerable place for Sexual Exploitation of Children. More and more and younger people want to escape from such circumstances in search of better opportunities in cities and are at risk of ending up becoming exploited. The need for more programmatic reinforcements in source areas of South Asia is ever needed as socio-political stability, drastic economic development initiatives, and improved law and order in many regions of South Asia (including our program areas) are still a farfetched reality. Newer frontiers of CSA and SEC have come about with the advent of ITC, which are increasingly becoming accessible even in remote areas. Despite various complexities, ECPAT Luxembourg s interventions in South Asia have been very important in 2017, with responses yielding meaningful outcomes in protection, rehabilitation and prevention of exposed or made vulnerable to sexual exploitation. EL will continue to strive forward in responding to SEC in South Asia, and feels its involvement as much needed as ever. Though delayed due to national elections and frequent change of government, three new projects were initiated in Nepal in 2017, which have now started operating with promising results. Our programs in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the West Bengal State of India were temporarily closed down due to prolonged strikes and political instability. However, programs have resumed and as stated above, a new realization has been felt on why SEC response is ever so important in these areas despite unfavorable circumstances for smoother program implementation. ECPAT Luxembourg s strategic approach for 2017 was to invest more on strengthening community systems, which meant working closely with religious leaders to clubs to teachers to other community leaders and gatekeepers for a resilient community against SEC. And this approach has had promising results. State level systems strengthening activities also gained some momentum in partnership with State government for building competencies of Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) and more strategic partnerships and activities are planned for The year 2017 period for South Asia started with the baseline studies to assess and establish critical benchmarks to measure impact and outcomes of all South Asia projects. The studies yielded critical information and highlighted areas of intervention for us to consider. ECPAT Luxembourg s strategic direction for South Asia for 2018 is to build upon the achievements and learnings of 2017 to push more evidence informed programs in South Asian countries. Competency development of key State / government stakeholders 156 teachers 644 Women and child development staffs government officials including judiciary 47 lawyers law enforcement personnel 26 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 27

17 SOUTH ASIA INTERVENTIONS FOR 2017 South Asia interventions for 2017 strengthened its response against SEC through sensitization of 27,341 key stakeholders (including nearly 20,000 ). Competency building initiatives were provided for nearly 1,500 strategically important persons. Rescue and protection services were provided for 135 victimized in the region and direct services were provided to 501 child victims in closed settings. Critical baseline studies (4 in total) were conducted for newly started Nepal projects and findings from the SECO baseline study was featured on Nepals State of the Children 2017 Report, published by the Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB), an apex child protection entity of Nepal government. FINANCIALS 39% Prevention/Awareness Rs 7,598,597 27,341 stakeholders sensitized 135 victimized rescued 1,500 strategically important persons were provided competency building initiatives 501 victims were provided protection services in closed settings 29% Protection/Direct Assistance Rs 5,554,138 8% Advocacy/Capacity Building/System Strengthening Rs 1,425,294 24% Administration Rs 2,960, ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 29

18 MOVING FORWARD ECPAT Luxembourg will remain steadfast in addressing sexual exploitation of in South Asia and will work closely with the governments, the civil society, and partners in the region. Much needs to be done! We will continue investing in community systems strengthening, as well as work in partnership with meso and micro level government structures to ensure that a competent and efficient response is at place to strategically address SEC in the region. Staying true to realizing a greater regional impact, we will engage ourselves more in inter country dialogues and to address cross border trafficking of for sexual purposes in the region. We will also invest in research and knowledge generation to effectively address the ever changing manifestations of SEC in the region was a year of learning and expanding our projects in South Asia. The coming years we will put our learnings into practice and implement programs that are evidence informed and have meaningful outcomes and impact for at risk in the region. 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

19 Head Office at Luxembourg 3 rue des Bains, B.P. 848 L-2018 Luxembourg T (+352) F (+352) South Asia Regional Office Baluwatar (Behind Shivapuri High School) GPO Box 8974, CPC 560 Kathmandu Nepal T (+977) elsouthasia@ecpat.lu