KATHMANDU: A morning procession was organised in the capital city today to mark the 12th National Day against Human Trafficking.

The procession was organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens. Representatives of various organisations, Nepal Police, rights activists, and people from various walks of life participated in the rally.

Addressing the rally, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Tham Maya Thapa said, trafficking in persons was a grave crime and sought cooperation from all sides to minimise it.

She expressed commitment on behalf of the Ministry to provide required support to the organisations working against human trafficking and in fighting this crime.

President of Media Mobilisation for Sustainable Development, Neha Sharma, opined that the problem would continue unless the widespread racket of human traffickers was dismantled. She also stressed on the need of spreading public awareness to fight this problem.

President of Biswas Nepal, Tara Bhandari and representative of Change Nepal, Barsha Luintel among other speakers called for stringent laws and punishment against individuals and gangs involved in trafficking in persons.

The morning procession, which started from Bhrikuti Mandap, was led by a police band playing cultural music. The procession passed through Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate, Naya Sadak, Ratna Park and concluded upon reaching Rastriya Sabha Griha.