PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, Dated: 15th June, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report, quoting the State Coordinator of Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Association, Mrs. Gilara, that children from Salem and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu were being trafficked to Kerala and auctioned at Trichur for the purpose of domestic work. Reportedly, these children were also being subjected to sexual harassment.

Mr. Justice D. Murugesan, Member of the Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, amount to serious violation of human rights of the children. Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretaries and the Director Generals of Police, Governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to enquire into the matter and submit reports within eight weeks.

According to the media report, carried on the 14th June, 2015, there were a number of brokers working for such trafficking. They approached the poor parents in the villages of these two districts of Tamil Nadu and brainwashed them to take along their children after paying some small amount. The trafficking of children could be prevented only if the Government of Tamil Nadu took serious and immediate steps.

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