Preventing Human Trafficking by Addressing Vulnerability: India’s Legal Obligation and Failure

Millions of female are trafficked for prostitution in India and practice of inter-generation prostitutions is also not uncommon in certain communities despite India’s commitments to combat trafficking under various international human rights treaties. Any attempt to combat trafficking shall be unaccomplished goal unless serious efforts are taken to prevent trafficking. As the vulnerability played as a key factor in trafficking processes, the utmost need of the hour is to address vulnerability. While, India has failed in its legal obligation to prevent trafficking in different fronts, the recent legislative amendment to IPC to define the term ‘human trafficking’ also shows a lack of seriousness on the part of Government to combat trafficking. This article explores through case studies; the impact of the gruesome crime, which also called as modern day slavery, on victims life and vulnerability factors involved in trafficking. Article argues that India has failed in protecting human rights of the victims and that future anti-human trafficking initiatives should consider addressing vulnerability factors to prevent trafficking.