THE ISSUE
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS MODERN DAY SLAVERY
It is one of the world's most complex crimes, and is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception with the aim of exploiting them for profit. It is a crime hidden in plain sight.
NEPAL
Each year, an estimated 20,000-25,000 girls and women are trafficked from Nepal across the open border to India. Once there, they are subjected to forced labor, exploited in the commercial sex industry, or sent abroad to be victimized in other destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond
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This disturbing trend is deeply rooted in gender discrimination, perpetuated by the embedded patriarchal values within Nepali culture and society. It is also exacerbated by the prevalence of rural poverty, directly impacting the socio-economic status of women.
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The instability of Nepal’s ever-changing government further creates vulnerability as it struggles to implement commitments to eradicate this crime, as well as to protect its trafficking victims.
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All these factors combined create extreme vulnerability for women in Nepal.
EXTREME POVERTY
Girls, young women and families in remote villages are targeted with false promises of a better life, financial stability and love.
VULNERABILITIES
OPEN BORDER
Girls are easily transported across the border to India because there are no border checkpoints for identification or reasons for travel.
PATRIARICAL SOCIETY
Women are thought to be inferior and treated as second class citizens. Many feel they are unworthy of living, respect, or love.
Watch a re-enactment to learn more about how this crime occurs.
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