Today at UMN Thapathali office, we officially launched a research report on “Causes, Processes and Vulnerability of Sexual Trafficking in Nepal”, produced and published by UMN.

The event was graced by our special guest Ms. Anuradha Koirala, social activist and the founder and director of Maiti Nepal. Ms. Koirala and Secretary of Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Mr. Khaga Raj Baral who was the Chief Guest of the event, jointly launched the report.

UMN’s Liaison & Strategy Director, Sanu Raja Ranjit said, “UMN has prepared the report on an evidence based approach. It is an important day today as we present the findings. For prevention of this issue, we have to move forward in an innovative and proactive way.” He also took this opportunity to share with all about UMN’s history and work in Nepal.

Kabin Maharjan, Research and Learning Advisor of UMN, presented the findings of the report. He highlighted the objective of the research which was to identify and examine the vulnerable characteristics of female sex traffic survivors. Among the many research findings that Kabin presented at the event was why some individuals and groups are victimised and are at greater risk of being trafficked.

Mr. Khaga Raj Baral expressed, “Girls, women, even boys are trafficked. It is easy to say that it is mainly due to lack of awareness and education. There are so many awareness projects but it is difficult to really reach the target group. No matter how small our anti-trafficking efforts and activities are, it should reach where the need is.”

Thanking UMN, Ms. Anuradha Koirala shared her view: “The trafficker may be a known or an unknown person, the families are always lured with a promise of a job. Trafficking not only occurs cross border or abroad but is happening even within the country. Awareness is important and the message should go out correctly. We should also implement these findings by working together with concerned partners. The work should be replicated and not duplicated. For that, mapping should be done so that we can reach out effectively and strongly to areas where help is needed.”

UMN would also like to thank representatives of other organisations working on trafficking issues who showed support by their valuable presence in today’s event.