BACKGROUND
The streets of India’s big cities are not a safe place for children and young people, because human traffickers often lurk there, ready to make an attractive business with them. For some years now, human trafficking has been on the rise in large parts of Asia and India. Every year, 80,000 children disappear without a trace in India. Many families also gullibly place their children in the hands of strangers and believe that this will enable them to lead a better life. Many of these children are exploited as cheap labourers or house slaves and never see their families again.
CHILDREN’S HOMES
BENEFICIARIES 2023: 63 CHILDREN
Usthi offers children and youngsters in need of protection a sheltered space in which they can find security and community. They are cared for in the children’s homes, attend school and can prepare for a self-determined life in a safe environment. One of the family communities welcomes children whose mothers work and live in a red light environment. The children there are exposed to violence and exploitation and their mothers cannot protect them from the dangers of the sex milieu. With Usthi, they find a safe place to grow up and study. At the same time, the mother-child relationship continues to be supported by Usthi. Usthi has offered a safe haven to children and young people who have been victims of abuse since 2007. In order to prevent further victims of exploitation and violence, Usthi has also been conducting prevention campaigns in the northern part of Hyderabad since 2013, to complement the women’s and children’s shelters. In areas prone to trafficking, people are informed about the dangers of human trafficking and possible preventive measures at events. Usthi works closely with self-help groups and other local organisations to coordinate such activities.