‘Jeebanoutsav’—celebrations of life- is an annual gathering of trafficked survivors from Odisha held in Titlagarh

Titlagarh: ‘Jeebanoutsav’—celebrations of life- is an annual gathering of trafficked survivors from Odisha, who have been rescued from various states across India through the combined efforts of the Government and International Justice Mission (IJM). Jeebanoutsav 2018 has brought together 720 survivors rescued from various States and who have completed IJM’s rehabilitation programme focusing on building safe communities in Odisha.

MP, Lok Sabha, Bolangir, Odisha, Shri Kalikesh Sing Deo was present as the Hon’ble Chief Guest of the event. “Migration in search of work will always be there, but our priority should be to ensure that it is ‘safe’ and that rights of our labourers are not compromised. It is important that they are taken care of, the moment they wish to return, and they are able to.” said BJD MP Kalikesh Singh Deo.

Tukuni Sahu, MLA, Titlagarh Constituency also graced the event with her presence. She expressed her commitment to support bonded labour survivors through construction of Community Meeting Centres. She extended her support along with MP Kalikesh Singh Deo to provide all necessary help for survivors so that they get access to benefits, schemes and other government initiatives.

In recent years, IJM has seen a significant increase in labourers being trafficked from eastern India to various Indian states. Recognizing that migration is a reality and often the only viable mode of economic self-sufficiency for thousands of labourers, IJM seeks to empower communities so they can migrate safely. Community members are also encouraged to ensure that the economic opportunities they obtain are legitimate and not bogus job offers by traffickers.

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