IJM’s Kolkata office opened in late 2005 through a grant from the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Person’s office to combat commercial sexual exploitation. West Bengal is a known source, transit and destination area for sex trafficking. Typically, the victims of sex trafficking in West Bengal are either female children who are purchased or kidnapped by perpetrators or adults who have been deceived with false promises of a job. Many are trafficked across the borders of Bangladesh and Nepal as well as from various parts of India.

Since its inception, IJM Kolkata has worked with local authorities to rescue one hundred fifty-three victims of commercial sexual exploitation and twenty-five victims of trafficking, likely for forced labour. Through the rescue operations, one hundred and five perpetrators have been formally charged with trafficking in persons. In spring 2010, IJM Kolkata achieved its first convictions when nine perpetrators were convicted in four separate cases, an important milestone for the office.

Since April 2009, IJM Canada has collaborated in the aftercare program of IJM Kolkata, supported by generous financial contributions from the Freedom 151 program of Trinity Baptist Church in Kelowna, B.C. IJM Canada’s involvement has enabled the development of a deeper partnership with one of IJM Kolkata’s key aftercare partners, which includes assistance with baseline funding each month and the creation of a transition home. This home serves residents of the aftercare home after they turn 18, since the main home cannot continue to provide for them. It helps ease the burden on the aftercare home, creating more space in the home to accommodate additional rescued victims who are minors, as well as helping the girls transition successfully into society as adults. 

+ To learn more about IJM's work in Kolkata, read Suhanna*'s story.