Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stressed the need for cooperation among all concerned bodies, including the federal, provincial and local governments, to build a society free from human trafficking and smuggling.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 20th National Day against Human Trafficking, Prime Minister Shah said human trafficking is a blot on human civilization and, as it is spreading worldwide as an organized crime, cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies are necessary to combat it.
The 20th National Day against Human Trafficking is being observed with the slogan, “Proper use of technology and awareness: Unity for a nation free from human trafficking.”
PM Shah noted that with the development of technology, the trends, nature, forms and destinations of human trafficking and smuggling are also changing.
He said the Government of Nepal has been making policy and institutional improvements in line with its national and international commitments to prevent and control human trafficking and smuggling.
According to him, various initiatives are being carried out in coordination and cooperation among the governments at all three levels and all concerned agencies.
Prime Minister Shah said a bill has been registered in Parliament to amend the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2007, to bring it in line with the Palermo Protocol.
He expressed the expectation that the amendment would help enhance cooperation and coordination between countries for the international protection of the rights of victims of human trafficking and transportation.
PM Shah also said that, as part of adapting existing legal and institutional mechanisms to the federal structure, a policy on human trafficking has been formulated and implemented.
He stressed that the campaign against human trafficking requires the cooperation of provincial governments, local authorities, national and international NGOs, development partners and other concerned bodies, in addition to the federal government.
“Only through our common initiatives and joint efforts will it be possible to create a society free from human trafficking,” Prime Minister Shah said in the message.
He expressed gratitude to everyone for their continued support, coordination and collaboration with the Nepal government’s campaign against human trafficking and smuggling, and urged continued support, cooperation and unity in advancing the government’s commitment.
