Cases of Trafficking Underreported
The Day Against Human Trafficking and Trafficking was observed nationwide on September 6. The theme for the 17th National Day was ‘Social Justice and Economic Empowerment: Elimination of Human Trafficking.’ In Surkhet, the day was commemorated with various activities including a morning procession, street dramas, and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness about the issue of human trafficking and promoting the theme of social justice and economic empowerment.
Karnali, is facing economic challenges and geographical hardships, and is grappling with issues in education, health, communication, and transportation. Additionally, the region faces a heightened risk of criminal activities. In recent times, Surkhet, the provincial capital, has gained notoriety for issues related to drug addiction. Furthermore, Karnali witnesses numerous cases of children and women falling victim to trafficking and exploitation each year, often under the guise of seeking education, healthcare, or employment opportunities. These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive efforts to address the various issues affecting the region and its residents.
It’s concerning to note that only seven cases of human trafficking and trafficking have been officially registered with the Surkhet police over the past four years. This low number of reported cases suggests that many instances of human trafficking may be going unreported.
According to SP Yogendra Singh Thapa of the District Police Office Surkhet, one of the main reasons for the underreporting of such cases could be the reluctance of victims to come forward and disclose the injustices and suffering they have endured. The decrease in the number of registered cases may reflect the challenges in encouraging victims to speak out and seek justice for these crimes. Efforts to raise awareness, protect victims, and provide them with support and confidence to report such crimes are essential in addressing this issue effectively.
SP Yogendra Singh Thapa’s observation that there may be numerous incidents of trafficking and exploitation within society that go unreported to the police highlights a significant challenge. He points out that this lack of reporting may stem from a combination of factors, including inadequate public awareness about the issue and limited legal knowledge among potential victims.
To address this issue, Thapa mentions that the police have been actively engaged in conducting various awareness programs as part of their police partnership initiatives. These programs aim to increase public awareness about human trafficking, exploitation, and the legal mechanisms available for seeking justice. By enhancing awareness and knowledge among the public, it is hoped that more victims will come forward to report such incidents, leading to improved prevention and prosecution efforts against human trafficking and related crimes.
SP Thapa highlights that one of the primary drivers of human trafficking and trafficking in Nepal is unemployment and poverty. These socio-economic challenges can push vulnerable individuals into situations where they are at greater risk of exploitation.
He also underscores the severity of the human trafficking situation in Nepal, particularly in the Karnali region, while noting that victims often remain hidden, and there is an increasing risk that perpetrators may escape prosecution.
In Surkhet, Thapa notes that only seven cases of human trafficking and trafficking have been reported to the police in the past three years. The breakdown of these cases is as follows: one case in the fiscal year 2076/077, one in 2077/078, two in 2078/079, and three in 2079/80. These figures indicate the need for increased vigilance, awareness, and reporting mechanisms to combat human trafficking effectively and protect potential victims.
Narayan Prasad Sapkota, Chairman and Chief District Officer of the Surkhet Human Trafficking and Trafficking Control Committee, points out that while the state has enacted stringent laws to combat human trafficking and trafficking, there have been instances where perpetrators are acquitted due to victims not coming forward to report these crimes.
It is a sad reality that reports of child and women trafficking under the guise of promising employment and education opportunities persist in society. However, only a few victims are willing to come forward and engage in legal battles to seek justice. Sapkota identifies poverty and illiteracy as significant contributing factors to this reluctance among victims to report such crimes. Poverty can make individuals more vulnerable to trafficking, while illiteracy can limit their awareness of legal rights and available recourse.
Efforts to combat human trafficking should not only focus on enforcing laws but also on addressing the root causes such as poverty and illiteracy, which make individuals susceptible to exploitation. Additionally, awareness campaigns and support systems for victims are essential to encourage reporting and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Gangaram Sunar, Head of the District Coordination Committee in Surkhet, emphasizes that both citizens and the state share equal responsibility for bringing about societal change. He underscores that human rights are among the most fundamental rights for individuals, and it is the duty of the state to protect these rights within the framework of the law.
Sunar acknowledges that while cases of human trafficking are on the rise, raising awareness about this issue is crucial. Creating awareness can empower individuals to recognize and report instances of trafficking, ultimately contributing to efforts aimed at combating this serious violation of human rights.
Chief Sunar’s perspective acknowledges that a prevailing notion in society is the belief that exposing a victim’s pain may not lead to meaningful change. This perception can deter individuals from coming forward and reporting incidents of abuse and exploitation, especially when they fear societal and familial repercussions. To address this issue effectively, the first step is to raise awareness and educate people about their rights and the importance of reporting such incidents.
He emphasizes that it is the collective responsibility of all members of society to expose hidden incidents and bring perpetrators to justice. By promoting a culture of awareness, support, and accountability, individuals and the state can work together to combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation while ensuring that victims receive the protection and assistance they need.
Chief Sunar’s assertion that it is the responsibility of everyone to bring hidden incidents in society to light and hold perpetrators accountable reflects a collective effort required to combat human trafficking effectively.
Indeed, given the vast and intricate network of human trafficking, both government and non-governmental agencies play crucial roles in dismantling it. Narayan Subedi, the coordinator of INSEC Karnali Province, highlights the presence of unreported cases of human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of victims coming forward and reporting these incidents to the relevant authorities. This cooperation between various stakeholders is essential to address this complex and pervasive issue comprehensively.
Jagatdal Janala B.K
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