Reducing Root Causes in Human Trafficking—A Randomized Controlled Trial in India

• In Event: Human Trafficking: Victim Compensation, Forced Criminality, and Responsible Interventions

Abstract

More than 60 million people in India belong to the Denotified Tribes (DNTs), the lowest of all social castes in India. Historically criminalized, DNTs continue to face stigma, marginalization, and poverty, thus significantly vulnerable to forced labor and sex trafficking. A randomized controlled trial is being funded by the US Department of State to explore ways to reduce the root causes that force members of the community into sex trade or other illicit enterprising activities. The intervention takes on a participatory approach with a focus on community health, education, and alternative livelihood development. Although none of the intervention activities are extraordinary, the use of RTC will help us understand the extent to which these conventional intervention activities can make a difference. The paper presents the procedures and challenges in implementing anti-trafficking activities in DNT communities.

Author

• Meredith Dank, New York University