Check Human Trafficking

As defined by the United Nations, human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, to exploit them for profit. The pretexts are varied, but all of them are tied to people’s economic difficulties. Human traffickers are taking advantage of the most vulnerable people to get financial gains. Even sacred social institutions like marriages have been exploited by traffickers to increase their business. 

Human trafficking is a major challenge for Nepal even today. It is considered to be diverse, internal and transnational for the country. Some days ago, a Nepali woman was arrested after a victim filed a complaint with the Nepal Police stating that she had been lured into marriage with a Chinese man and had to face physical and mental violence during her stay. Initial investigations have shown that the victim had been sold for Rs. 500,000. The woman was rescued by the Nepali diplomatic mission in China. There are several other horrendous instances where Nepali women married to Chinese husbands were being exploited as sex workers. 

Human trafficking on the pretext of marriage appears to be very easy for the traffickers. There is a very low chance of getting caught by the authorities, given that they see a mutual agreement in the marriage. The Department of Immigration does not have a system to track or maintain records, even though the majority of the women are found traveling under a visit visa. 

While the Nepali and Chinese governments have set certain conditions, such as requiring basic Chinese language and a No Objection Letter (NOC) for Nepali travelers before departure, this has not ensured a complete end to the existing human trafficking ring. Human trafficking rings are highly networked with the involvement of both Chinese and Nepali nationals. 

Nepali nationals help identify the most vulnerable and the poorest victims who can be easily lured into thinking that cross-border marriage will be the beginning of a happy life. This is not just limited to China. We see similar cases in India, Gulf countries and other parts of the world as well. For such human trafficking rackets not to thrive, the Nepal Police must carry out extensive investigations into such rings and individuals involved in such heinous crimes. Likewise, mechanisms have to be set where victims and their families can easily communicate whenever they face any problems.

Moreover, the Department of Immigration must tighten its security and cross-questioning at the airport and borders. Rigorous questioning and background checks are essential. Institutional capacity of the immigration administration must be strengthened through the adoption of technologies and the availability of adequate financial and skilled human resources. A stricter judiciary and justice mechanism with a zero-tolerance attitude towards human traffickers can alert and force human traffickers to backtrack. But, what is more essential at the centre is the empowerment of girls and women. As long as people’s socio-economic conditions are not improved for good, they will always be susceptible to such risks.

Also, the local governments must partner with local communities to raise awareness and alert people about the existence of such rackets. The majority of people are completely unaware of honeytraps and other tricks. So, creating awareness will deter people from falling into such a quandary. Strengthening cooperation and collaboration between diplomatic channels and security bodies of countries can also aid in the rescue and support of the victims. The Nepal government must request greater vigilance and stricter punishment to discourage such moves. Human trafficking is a direct violation of human rights. Nepal’s commitment towards human rights can only be fulfilled with its rigorous efforts to protect its citizens, under any circumstances.