Stronger Efforts from All Sectors Needed to Stop Trafficking in Nepal

When Rina B.K. was trafficked to India at just 14 years old and later rescued and brought back to Nepal, her hardships didn’t end—they only got worse. While she fought for justice through the legal system, society made her life even more painful. People, including those close to her, began treating her differently.

Due to the trauma she faced—something she had no control over—Rina found herself isolated by her own community. She was no longer treated like everyone else.

“After I was rescued and began my legal battle, even the police and my lawyer disrespected me,” she recalls. “My lawyer once said to me, ‘Once your case is over, let’s go on a date.’”

Rina’s experience is not unique. It reflects a larger problem in Nepal, where survivors of human trafficking are often re-traumatized by those who are supposed to help them.

Over time, though, things have slowly begun to improve. Rina is now part of Shakti Samuha, an organization led by survivors of human trafficking. She notes that today, there are dedicated police units for such cases, survivors are better informed about their rights, and their privacy is more respected. But she says, “It’s still not enough.” Social stigma continues, even among younger generations.

“We want to live with dignity. We want people to treat us normally,” Rina says. “I ask authorities to raise public awareness so survivors can lead respectful lives.”

The Ongoing Challenge of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking remains one of Nepal’s most serious and persistent problems. Though it’s changing in form, the threat is still very real. High-profile individuals, including politicians, have been linked to trafficking-related crimes.

According to the Nepal Police’s Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau:

  • In the first month of the current fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26), 47 trafficking cases were reported—4 of them involved minors.

  • In 2081/82 (2024/25), there were 184 cases, 80 involving minors.

  • In 2080/81 (2023/24), 216 cases, 75 involving minors.

  • In 2079/80 (2022/23), 232 cases, with 81 involving minors.

A 2019 report from Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission estimated 1.5 million Nepalis were at risk of being trafficked. A later report from 2022 warned that people across all seven provinces and all genders are increasingly vulnerable.

In 2024, the U.S. downgraded Nepal from “Tier 2” to the “Tier 2 Watch List” in its Trafficking in Persons Report, citing the government’s failure to:

  • Criminalize all forms of trafficking,

  • Prosecute traffickers effectively,

  • Finalize victim support procedures,

  • Compensate survivors,

  • Hold fraudulent labor recruiters accountable.

Calls for Greater Accountability

During a July 31 panel discussion hosted by Anahata Nepal, Member of Parliament Shobha Gyawali admitted that stakeholders—from politicians to law enforcement—have not responded to trafficking issues with the seriousness they demand.

“The government signs international treaties quickly but fails to act on them,” she said. “Authorities are aware of the problem but behave like they’re not.”

She emphasized that trafficking is no longer just a cross-border issue. Traffickers are now targeting poor and marginalized communities within Nepal, especially Dalits and minorities.

Rise in Internal Trafficking

Cases of internal trafficking are increasing. According to police data:

  • In FY 2078/79 (2021/22): 22 people rescued (14 minors)

  • In FY 2079/80 (2022/23): 14 rescued (4 minors)

  • In FY 2080/81 (2023/24): 72 rescued (21 minors)

  • In FY 2081/82 (2024/25): 198 rescued (90 minors)

Legal progress is also being made. Between 2020 and 2023, 10 internal trafficking cases were tried at the Kathmandu District Court:

  • 5 ended in full convictions (prison terms from 2 to 10 years, fines up to Rs 100,000)

  • 4 had partial convictions

  • 1 ended in a full acquittal

Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal said courts are now more sensitive to survivor needs than before. “Before the 2007 Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, the law focused only on punishing traffickers. Now, it also includes survivor compensation.”

Still, he noted that some cases are delayed due to overloaded court dockets.

Flaws in the Law

Many experts and activists have long called for a revision of the 2007 Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act. A report by The Asia Foundation pointed out that the current law defines trafficking too narrowly and fails to recognize force, fraud, or coercion—key elements in global definitions.

“This causes confusion between trafficking and smuggling,” the report notes. “Trafficking victims are protected under international law, but smuggled people are not.”

MP Gyawali confirmed that a revised version of the Act has been submitted to Parliament and is still open to expert input.

On-the-Ground Challenges

Even with legal reforms and a dedicated anti-trafficking police unit, challenges remain. Ram Bhakta Ghimire, Ward Chair of Tokha Municipality–9, says:
“Despite efforts to stop trafficking, it’s hard to act without help from landlords, restaurant owners, neighbors, and even witnesses. Their lack of cooperation is a big obstacle.”

Conclusion

Nepal’s fight against human trafficking is far from over. Survivors like Rina B.K. continue to face stigma, even after being rescued. While there have been some positive changes—like better privacy protection and stronger legal provisions—many problems persist.

Unless every part of the system—parliament, police, courts, and communities—fully commits to fighting trafficking and supporting survivors, progress will remain slow, and justice will be out of reach for many.

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