Trafficking in persons, particularly in women and children for various purposes such as commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), forced labour, forced marriages, domestic servitude, adoption, begging, public sport etc. is an organized crime that gravely violates basic human rights. Increasing reports of such a criminal activity taking place are a matter of deep concern to the Government, particularly as law enforcement response to the crime has not been very effective.

To rein in human trafficking, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered setting up Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) in 40 districts of the state with the status of a police station, thereby enabling the units to have the power to register FIRs, carry out investigation and take required legal action in the matter.