India: Church Hosts Safe Migration Workshops to Combat Trafficking and Bonded Labour in Jharkhand

In response to the growing plight of migrant communities vulnerable to exploitation, a two-day Awareness Workshop on Safe Migration and the Prevention of Bonded Labour and Human Trafficking was successfully conducted in Jharkhand, eastern India, on January 18 and 19.

The workshop was held on January 18 at St. Claret Parish, Barwadih (Daltonganj), and on January 19 at St. Theresa Middle School, Morwai. The programme was organised by the CCBI Commission for Migrants, in collaboration with the Claretian Mission, Daltonganj, as a concrete step toward safeguarding human dignity and promoting informed and safe migration.

Jharkhand remains one of the states most affected by unsafe migration. Driven by poverty and limited local employment opportunities, many people fall prey to illegal agents, leading to human trafficking and bonded labour in metropolitan cities, agricultural fields in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and brick kilns across various states. Many such stories remain unheard until platforms like these workshops create space for truth, healing, and empowerment.

The sessions were led with sensitivity and depth by Mr. Nirmal Gorana, Human Rights Activist of the National Campaign Committee for the Eradication of Bonded Labour; Adv. Sr. Rani Punnasseril, HCM; and Adv. Fr. Siby, CMF. Through legal insights, real-life examples, and interactive discussions, the facilitators addressed complex issues with clarity and compassion.

Nearly 400 participants attended the workshops, with more than half being migrants currently working in Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The sessions became a safe space where participants courageously shared experiences of exploitation, harassment, unpaid wages, and loss of dignity. Many expressed gratitude, noting that awareness of labour laws and rights earlier could have prevented immense suffering and even loss of life.

One young woman, Ms. Monica (name changed), who had returned to her village for her engagement, shared how she was harassed merely for requesting leave and was denied her final salary. Her sister, working with her in Chandigarh, was refused leave altogether, forcing her to resign. Now better informed, Monica hopes to return to work with greater confidence and find an employer who respects workers’ rights. Her testimony echoed countless silent stories of injustice that demand urgent attention.

The Claretian Catholic Ashram, Daltonganj, continues to play a vital role in empowering migrants and families left behind by fostering awareness, resilience, and hope. Through initiatives such as this, the Church remains a compassionate companion, walking with the poor, the exploited, and the forgotten.

More than an awareness programme, the workshop became a movement of awakening, rekindling confidence among participants and strengthening their resolve to resist exploitation. Above all, it reaffirmed the Church’s mission to uphold life, dignity, and justice for all, especially the most vulnerable.