Projects

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• An Interaction on Cross Border Human Trafficking



Period:	June 18, 2004 AD
Overview:	Human trafficking is an old practice that has evolved in terms of form and extent. It is an international problem that requires regional and global efforts. However, before outlining possible strategies to cope with this problem, authentic, comprehensive and sufficient data is utterly necessary. Acknowledging the rising scale of cross border trafficking within Nepal and in an effort to protect and promote basic human rights, SAHARA Group organized the interaction Cross Border Human Trafficking in Nepal: Some Considerable Issues in partnership with Beyond Trafficking: Joint Initiative against Trafficking in Girls and Women.
Objectives:	The main objectives of the interaction were to: Develop common understanding among major stakeholders concerning the sufficiency, reliability, comprehensiveness and authenticity of the data Encourage the stakeholders to introduce more realistic interventions, if the data is genuine: and if not, bring consensus/agreement among all, for a new and encompassing research that would produce a more accurate estimate of the magnitude of human trafficking Give a new dimension to the anti-trafficking movement Identify ways of strengthening governments in curbing trafficking.
Activities:	The interaction was a one-day event on June 18, 2004 AD. It had a total of 60 participants including policymakers, academicians, donor communities and NGO representatives. The key speaker was His Excellency Shyam Sharan, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Nepal, while the main theme paper “Cross Border Human Trafficking in Nepal: Some Considerable Issues” was presented by Dr. Ram Krishna Timalsena. After the presentation of the paper, participants were able to discuss it at an engaging floor discussion.
Conclusions:	The interaction concluded that human trafficking is one the most serious problems that Nepal faces and it is not only a severe human right violation but also a problem which has adverse impacts on national development. However, human trafficking has not been fully addressed as a human rights issue so far, thus impeding proper lines of actions to be taken. A series of strategies and measures such as border security and bilateral and multilateral agreements were suggested. Finally, a thorough research on the issue was recommended.
Location:	Kathmandu, Nepal