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"This has the unfortunate consequence of them being further isolated, secluded and withdrawn from society.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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
New Zealand MP performs traditional dance in Parliament, rips up copy of contentious bill
Wellington: New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke has once again grabbed the headlines after a video of her staging the traditional Maori dance and ripping up a copy of a contentious bill during a House session went viral on social media.
A viral footage of the vote on the Treaty Principles Bill shows the 22-year-old Te Pati Maori MP interrupting the session by tearing apart a copy of the controversial bill before performing a haka. She is then joined by the people in the public gallery, prompting Speaker Gerry Brownlee to briefly suspend the House.
The ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the centre-right coalition government unveiled the Treaty Principles Bill last week. It proposes changes to some principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The bill has sparked strong opposition from many Maori groups.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, established the framework for governance between the two parties. It remains a foundational document in New Zealand, with its clauses continuing to influence legislation and policy to this day.
The bill is being seen as undermining the rights of the country’s indigenous people by many Maori and their supporters. Notably, Maoris make up around 20% of New Zealand’s 5.3 million population.
As the proposed bill passed its first reading, hundreds of demonstrators embarked on a nine-day march, or hikoi, from New Zealand's north to the national capital of Wellington to voice their opposition.
New Zealand’s youngest MP Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke made it to the headlines once again as she tore apart the copy of the Treaty Principles Bill and performed the traditional group dance Haka in the Parliament. This video is now going viral across the world. #HakaDance… pic.twitter.com/PU5XBA9CQu
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) November 15, 2024
