KASKI: Incidents of sexual assault and harassment against girls have increased in Kaski district, according to data published by the Informal Sector Services Centre (INSEC), a human rights organisation.

The data showing this trend was shared in the preliminary review programme of Nepal Human Rights Year Book, 2021.

Statistics maintained by INSEC shows that 18 girls were victims of sexual violence from January till date this year. Six girls were sexually assaulted during the corresponding period last year.

Similarly, three boys suffered sexual assault from January till date in 2020. The data also shows that eight women were victims of rape or attempt to rape, and sexual harassment in the district, during this period.

INSEC records show that two incidents of murder -- one of which was committed by a family member, three incidents of arbitrary arrest by the state, and one incident of racial discrimination were recorded in the district in 2020.