Nepal is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims. Estimates suggest 5,000–10,000 women and girls are trafficked to India yearly, often into sexual exploitation with debt bondage.
Nepal’s Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Shraddha Shrestha, on Saturday reiterated the government’s firm commitment to eradicating human trafficking, calling it a grave crime that demands urgent, coordinated action. The pledge came during a two-day seminar in Biratnagar focused on the challenges of trafficking along the Nepal-India border.
The event, ‘Challenges of Human Trafficking and Exploitation in the Nepal–India Border Area,’ was organized by the ministry in collaboration with Maiti Nepal. It gathered officials, NGOs, and experts to address prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation strategies. Minister Shrestha stressed the need for enhanced cooperation with Indian authorities to monitor the open 1,850-kilometer border, where most cross-border trafficking occurs.
Government Pledges and Legislative Framework
Minister Shrestha announced upcoming initiatives for the timely rescue, protection, and rehabilitation of survivors, with a focus on preventing trafficking of women and girls. She emphasised awareness campaigns and border vigilance. Biratnagar Mayor Nagesh Koirala echoed these sentiments, describing trafficking as a major societal challenge requiring collective effort.
Nepal’s efforts are guided by the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act of 2007, which imposes up to 20 years’ imprisonment for offenders. The government operates through the National Committee for Controlling Human Trafficking and district committees. Nepal acceded to the UN Palermo Protocol in 2020, though full implementation remains pending. Recent natural disasters and economic issues have heightened vulnerabilities, prompting calls for stronger integrated policies.
Crucial Role of NGOs
Maiti Nepal, led by Anuradha Koirala, has been pivotal for over 30 years, conducting rescues, awareness programs, and rehabilitation. Koirala highlighted risks to adolescent girls from illiteracy and false job promises, urging better state-community ties.
Other NGOs like Shakti Samuha, 3 Angels Nepal, and international groups such as Destiny Rescue and ECPAT operate shelters, helplines, and border interventions. They provide medical care, legal aid, vocational training, and support post-disaster prevention, especially after the 2015 earthquake when child trafficking surged.
Scale and Forms of Trafficking
Nepal is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims. Estimates suggest 5,000–10,000 women and girls are trafficked to India yearly, often into sexual exploitation with debt bondage. Victims also end up in forced labour across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, contributing to a global $32 billion industry.
The 2024 US TIP Report notes Nepal investigated 131 cases in 2022–2023, prosecuting 356 suspects and convicting 176. However, Nepal remains on Tier 2 Watch List due to insufficient efforts. Child labour impacts 1.6 million children, many in hazardous work. Sex trafficking prevails in entertainment sectors, while labour trafficking affects migrants and domestic workers. Organ trafficking is outlawed but persists. Pandemics and earthquakes have worsened the situation.
Root Causes and Vulnerabilities
Poverty drives the crisis, with high unemployment pushing desperate migration. The open border with India allows easy undetected movement. Marginalised communities, including Dalits and indigenous groups, face higher risks due to gender inequality, low education, and patriarchal norms.
Traffickers exploit social media, fake jobs, or marriages. Climate disasters displace people, increasing susceptibility. Over 800,000 Nepalis migrate annually for work, often facing abusive recruitment and debt bondage abroad.
