Collective efforts in need to control human trafficking: Minister Acharya

Kathmandu, Sept 6: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen Surendra Raj Acharya has stressed the need for collective efforts to control human transport and trafficking. On the occasion of the 17th National Anti-Human Trafficking Day, the minister said, “As only lone efforts of the government cannot control human trafficking, the role of many sectors including social organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector plays an important role. In this campaign, the government is fully committed to working hand in hand with all concerned sectors.”

The ministry has operated rehabilitation centres for the trafficked people with assistance and cooperation of the government, he said, adding that on the occasion of the Day, it has been honouring individuals and organisations for their significant contributions in the field of the rehabilitating, collecting data, managing compensation and reuniting the trafficked people with their families.

Factors like the open border with India, poverty, low awareness of people, changing trend of human trafficking, misuse of social networks and increasing trend of people leaving for foreign jobs are blamed for rampant cases of human trafficking, he pointed out. Founding Chairperson of Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Koirala said it is the major weakness of Nepal that the sides concerned have not taken responsibility in the prevention and control of human trafficking. She stressed that the Ministry should coordinate with the local level for making this campaign effective.

National Women Commission (NWC) Chairperson Kamala Kumari Parajuli viewed that the ways and trend of human trafficking and sale in persons have changed. “Previously, the people from the poor communities used to be given economic allurement for trafficking them, but these days people from the rich strata of society are trafficked through enticement promising them best job offer,” she added. Stating that problem of human trafficking has been increasing due to the lack of coordination and collaboration among the bodies concerned, she underscored on the need of raising public awareness keeping the human development in mind. NWC member Lily Thapa said the main means of trafficking in persons has been the illegal entry into the foreign employment. The theme of Anti-Human Trafficking Day this year is ‘Social Justice and Economic Empowerment’.