Trafficking in women and children continues unabated despite the public awareness campaign and police crackdown on traffickers.

According to Maiti Nepal, a non-government organisation working for girls and women, the total number of trafficking deaths in 2011 was 25.

Till the end of June in 2012, trafficking has already claimed 21 lives. With the average half yearly calculation of both years, trafficking cases have increased 42 per cent.

The half-yearly data of Maiti Nepal also indicate the increase in domestic violence in the country.

The total cases of domestic violence reported in 2011 were 843, while till the end of June in 2012, there were 470 such cases. On an average, domestic violence in 2012 has increased 11 per cent.

The data also paint a gloomy picture of rape. The total number of reported rape cases in 2011 was 25, whereas in 2012 till the end of June, the number is 14.

If the trend continues, the rape case is expected to increase 14 per cent in 2012.

Although violence against women existed in the past, most cases would go unreported due to deep-rooted patriarchy, social values and culture, and fear of stigma and discrimination, Bishwo Khadka, director of the organisation, said. “However, awareness and empowerment programmes have encouraged women to become alert and concerned about their rights. More cases are reported these days.”

A recent Trafficking in Person (TIP) report published by the US Department of State has placed Nepal in TIER 2. It described Nepal mainly as a source of country for men, women and children, who are subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. According to the report, Nepali men are subjected to forced labour, most often in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, within the country. Nepali women and girls are subjected to sex trafficking in Nepal, India and the Middle East, and are also subjected to forced labour in Nepal and India as domestic servants. They are subjected to sex trafficking in other Asian destinations as well.

The report also indicated the increasing number of Nepali minor girls being trafficked to Gulf countries with fake documents in recent times.

Maiti Nepal said they have reported many cases in which girls below the age of 15 are presented as 22-year-olds in legal documents.

The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police had intercepted as many as nine underage girls at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the past one year.

Published on: 28 July 2012 | The Himalayan Times