Monday, Mar 17, 2025 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Mar 16, 2025 16:38 [IST]
Human trafficking constitutes a grave violation of
human rights, exploiting persons for sexual exploitation, forced work, or organ
trafficking. Human trafficking, a serious infringement of human rights, entraps
millions worldwide. The International Labour Organisation believes that there
are over 40 million victims of contemporary slavery, with trafficking yielding
$150 billion each year. Notwithstanding international initiatives, trafficking
networks prosper owing to their covert characteristics and systemic
deficiencies in response procedures. This significant global issue necessitates
strong preventive measures, efficient law enforcement techniques, and thorough
victim support networks. A highly effective strategy to address this crime is
the integration of forensic victim profiling with a centralised national
database.
Understanding Human Trafficking and Victim Profiling
Human trafficking includes the recruitment,
transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receiving of humans via coercion,
fraud, or abuse of authority for exploitative ends. Victims frequently endure
significant physical, psychological, and emotional suffering. Recognising
victims and traffickers necessitates a systematic scientific methodology, such
as forensic victim profiling.
Forensic victim profiling is a specialised domain within forensic science that
examines the attributes, lifestyle, and socio-economic context of victims. This
methodology aids in forecasting possible victims, comprehending criminal
behaviour, and augmenting law enforcement enquiries. Forensic profiling
analyses victim demographics, psychological characteristics, and social
circumstances to uncover patterns that indicate both susceptible groups and
prevalent strategies employed by traffickers.
The Role of Forensic Victim Profiling
Forensic victim profiling serves multiple purposes:
Types of Human Trafficking in India
Human trafficking in India predominantly manifests in
three major forms:
Why a National Database is Crucial
Despite various preventive measures, the absence of a centralized system for tracking victims and traffickers hampers effective intervention. A centralized database aggregates data from law enforcement, NGOs, and healthcare providers, offering a holistic view of trafficking trends.A national database can revolutionise anti-trafficking efforts by consolidating information, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and improving victim rehabilitation processes.
Key Benefits of a National Database:
India's anti-trafficking efforts align with key United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
By integrating SDGs into anti-trafficking efforts,
India can create a robust framework that addresses prevention, protection, and
prosecution.
To establish an effective forensic profiling system
and national database, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
Forensic victim profiling and a national database are
essential measures in the fight against human trafficking in India. Integrating
scientific profiling with real-time data exchange enables authorities to
enhance preventive strategies, accelerate investigations, and deliver extensive
support to victims. Proactive solutions are crucial for protecting human
dignity and securing justice for survivors of trafficking. Implementing a
centralised framework based on forensic science will allow India to adhere to
international standards and affirm its dedication to human rights and security.
Akhil Jobeland Biju Dharmapalan
(Mr Akhil Jobel is an Assistant
Professor in Forensic Science, Garden City University, Bangalore, E-mail: crimforensic007@gmail.com
;
Dr. Biju Dharmapalan is the Dean -Academic Affairs, Garden City
University, Bangalore and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of
Advanced Studies, Bangalore, E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com)