Calcutta diocese to help victims of human trafficking

In continuance of its year-long bicentenary celebrations, the Diocese of Calcutta will set up a rehabilitation centre in West Bengal's Howrah district for girls who are victims of human trafficking.

According to Bishop Ashoke Biswas, the residential establishment will equip the rescued minors in life skills and education to help them find a strong foothold in society.

"The rehab centre will prepare the rescued trafficked girls for a normal life," Biswas said.

He was speaking at the screening of "Resonance of the Chronicle", a documentary showcasing the diocese's 200 years journey.

With an initial investment of around Rs.50 lakh, the rehab centre will be set up at the premises of the now-defunct Cowley Memorial St. Monica's Girls' Primary School in Howrah and is expected to be completed by the year-end.

"We are refurbishing the building and converting it into a residential school. It will start with an initial capacity to house 25 girls," Nigel Pope of the diocese said.

"The aftercare centre will help the girls deal with the trauma through counselling and spiritual guidance and will also help them with life skills and education," Pope said, adding the diocese will work in tandem with various social justice NGOs as facilitators.