Holistic Strategies in the Battle Against Human Trafficking in Northeast India

Photo courtesy of Sister Lisa, originally shared by her coordinators in Guwahati, Assam (India), and forwarded for use in this article.

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue worldwide, stripping individuals of their freedom, choices, and futures. In India, socio-economic challenges render many communities particularly vulnerable, especially in areas where families face limited education, scarce job opportunities, and inadequate support systems. To address these challenges, certain organizations adopt holistic approaches to combat trafficking. One notable example in the northeastern region of India is the Center for Development Initiatives (CDI), based in Guwahati, Assam. This branch works closely with communities to educate people, support victims, and prevent trafficking.

Within CDI, the ‘Shelter Project Coaching Center’ focuses on empowering children and adolescents through education, preparing them for employment and self-reliance. The teachers at the coaching center have a transformative impact, leaving a lasting effect on the children they teach. One particularly moving aspect of CDI’s work is its commitment to addressing the root causes of trafficking by educating children, supporting victims, and engaging with communities to forge a brighter and safer future for entire regions.

Supporting Communities Through Four Key Groups

CDI impacts the community by collaborating with local groups that help spread awareness and provide support to vulnerable populations. The four main groups involved are:

1. Women’s Groups: These groups focus on women, who are more at risk of trafficking. They educate women on trafficker tactics and train them in life skills to protect themselves and their families.

   
   

2. Village Vigilance Committees: These committees are crucial in villages where many leave home for work, increasing their trafficking risk. They provide training and local job opportunities to returnees and educate rural communities on identifying and preventing trafficking.

   
   

3. Children’s Groups: These groups ensure children access education, healthcare, and emotional support, along with fun activities like sports and arts. They help prevent school dropouts and ensure children grow up equipped to avoid exploitation.

   
   

4. Youth Groups: Focused on older children and young adults, these groups teach skills and raise trafficking awareness. They serve as change advocates and peer educators.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
   
   

   Photos courtesy of Sister Lisa, originally shared by her coordinators in Guwahati, Assam (India), and forwarded for use in this article.

   
   
   
   

Education as a Tool for Prevention

Education is a central element of CDI’s mission. They have enabled children to register for exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), offering a flexible education system for those at risk of dropping out. This program, free of charge, aims to prepare students up to high school matriculation, opening doors to further education or employment. The curriculum includes practical life skills like tailoring, farming, and cooking, and has recently been expanded to include computer science to equip children with modern skills. While subjects like language and history are taught with relative ease, students often struggle with STEM subjects. By combining education with practical skills, CDI prepares these children for independent and confident futures.

Helping Victims Through Shelter Homes

In the northeastern region of India, where many trafficking cases occur, CDI has established five shelter homes near Guwahati airport. These homes provide victims with security, basic necessities, education, and counseling, aiming to help them recover and, when possible, reunite with their families. For those who cannot return home, these shelters offer a new beginning.

Challenges in the Northeast Region

Unlike more developed areas like southern India, the northeastern states face significant challenges. Traffickers often target adolescent girls from tribal communities or tea garden families, luring them with false job promises. These socio-economic vulnerabilities make them susceptible to exploitation and abuse. To combat this, CDI raises awareness about trafficking and promotes quality education, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills to help children avoid traffickers' traps.

Working Together to Fight Trafficking

As trafficking networks evolve, the fight against them must also adapt. CDI’s strength lies in its collaborations with police, educational institutions like NIOS, local businesses, and NGOs. These partnerships enhance CDI’s efforts, providing rescued victims and at-risk individuals with education and job opportunities, significantly strengthening their ability to rebuild their lives.

References

1. Centre for Development Initiatives. (2024). Cdimsmhcg.org. https://cdimsmhcg.org

   
   

2. National Institute of Open Schooling. (2021, December 20). Department of School Education and Literacy. Retrieved on December 21, 2025, from https://dsel.education.gov.in/nios

   
   

3. The National Institute of Open Schooling. (n.d.). Retrieved on December 21, 2025, from https://www.nios.ac.in

   
   

4. Kommattam, G. (2024, October 14). Nuns’ Development Center Transforms Village Girls in Northeast. Matters India. https://mattersindia.com/2024/10/nuns-development-center-transforms-village-girls-in-northeast/

   
   

5. Lisa, S. (2025, January 29). Photographs originally from coordinators in Guwahati, Assam, India. Personal communication.