KATHMANDU, Dec 10: As a part of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, a book comprising the ‘Research on Hostile cases of Human Trafficking’ was launched at Indreni Foodland, New Baneshwor on Friday. Maiti Nepal organized the event in coordination with ‘Free A Girl’ among a number of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. 

The event highlighted on recent research conducted to study the scenario of human trafficking in Nepal. It compiled the testimonials of trafficked victims and the witnesses. Anita Thapaliya, one of the research team members, presented the scenario of trafficking, focusing on the findings of the research. The objective of the research was to identify the challenges and hurdles of trafficking and provide needful suggestions to legal authorities. 

As per the research, 37% of victims were found to be minors while 63% of them were adults. Similarly, 59% of victims were illiterate while 77% belonged to working class. On further interaction with victims, the research found out that more than 50% do not file a case because of threat and undue influence.

The research further recommended on prioritizing quick remedies for victims in terms of compensation. “In most of the sensitive cases, the victims file complaint but barely appear for court processions as they seem to be coerced to make statements against the complaint filed. Therefore, close court hearings in such cases could prove significant to combat the issues of human trafficking,” said Attorney General, Agni Prasad Kharel.