In 2017, child trafficking was a serious problem in India and across many parts of the world. Children could be sexually exploited, forced into labor, moved across borders, and controlled by complex criminal networks. No child should be treated as property. This vicious cycle must stop.

By May 2017, the Chahal Foundation had worked through a partner network of NGOs supporting rescue operations and efforts to prosecute traffickers. These missions were intended to give children a path toward safety and rehabilitation. Covert operations required careful planning among ground teams and law enforcement. Some took weeks, if not months, before an attempt could be made.

To safeguard those involved, our foundation did not take or permit photography of rescued children or the ground teams involved in those operations. I was personally involved in one rescue attempt. Regrettably, it was unsuccessful. I can honestly say that evening was the lowest point of my life. I learned that trafficking networks were more complex than one organization could confront alone. That was why we built collaborative NGO partnerships to help eradicate child sex trafficking.

Even with comprehensive planning, no rescue attempt was guaranteed to succeed. Our stated goal in 2017 was to support more operations by providing qualified tips, intelligence, mission resources, and community support to NGO partners.

Child sex trafficking is a global crime that reaches children at terribly young ages. Too many are trapped where the world cannot hear them. No child should be exploited. No one should endure that violence and greed. Everyone has a right to an honorable and safe life.

Every child’s dream is precious. Every child’s life is precious. It is filled with curiosity and a future of hope. We cannot let traffickers take that future away. Be a hero in the life of a child who needs one.

It is far too easy to ignore this issue because the subject is painful and taboo in many cultures. But if everyone looks away, who will stand with these children? The work is larger than one person or one organization. It requires responsible NGOs, law enforcement, communities, and people willing to act.

Do not look away. Protect the child. Support credible work. Be a superhero where it matters.