SC directs Centre to respond on rehabilitation framework for victims of sex trafficking
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court has said there is a legislative vacuum with regard to the establishment of a comprehensive rehabilitation framework for victims of sex trafficking.
The top court directed the Centre to consider the issue and file an affidavit regarding it.
"Human and sex trafficking are crimes that dehumanises the victim and violates the victim's right to life, freedom and personal security. Vulnerable sections of society, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected in such crimes," said a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal.
The apex court said the victims of such crimes are often mistreated by their traffickers and have to endure physical and mental forms of violence that are inflicted upon them.
"They stand at a greater risk of sustaining several life-threatening injuries and contracting infections and illnesses, including sexually transmitted diseases.
"Additionally, the mental health consequences can range from anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and substance abuse as well," the bench said.
A majority of such victims may require continuous access to doctors and other mental health professionals who can tend to their specific needs, it added.
"Alienation and ostracism by the larger society is also inherently associated with such crimes. Individuals who are trafficked are often abruptly alienated from their immediate family and other social groups due to the attribution of sentiments like guilt and shame on the victims," the bench said.
"This has the unfortunate consequence of them being further isolated, secluded and withdrawn from society. The crime is also of such nature that it seriously hampers the pursuit of further education and learning," the bench added.
The top court was hearing a plea seeking compliance of a 2015 judgement on victims of sexual assault.
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China confirms its support to Pakistan during four-day conflict with India
Beijing (PTI): China, for the first time, has confirmed that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during the four-day conflict with India last year, official media reports here said.
China's state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday aired an interview with Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, a key developer of China’s advanced fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle design.
Zhang had provided technical support to Pakistan during the four-day war last May, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported, quoting CCTV.
Pakistan's air force operates a fleet of Chinese-made J-10CE jets, produced by an AVIC subsidiary.
"At the support base, we frequently heard the roar of fighter jets taking off and the constant wail of air-raid sirens. By late morning, in May, the temperature was already approaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). It was a real ordeal for us, both mentally and physically,” Zhang said.
What drove his team was the "desire to do an even better job with on site support” and to ensure their equipment could “truly perform at its full combat potential”, Zhang told CCTV.
“That wasn’t just a recognition of the J10CE; it was also a testament to the deep bond we formed through working side by side, day in and day out,” he said.
