KATHMANDU: Speakers at an interaction programme here today underscored the effective implementation of the laws formulated to curb human trafficking in the country.

At a programme organised by the Alliance Against Trafficking in Women and Children Nepal (AATWIN), they spoke of the need to launch awareness campaigns against the human trafficking besides implementing the laws formulated against it.

The speakers also drew attention of the government, human rights activists and stakeholder organisations to launch studies and investigation on the human trafficking at a time when this criminal activity is changing its form.

Hailing the role played by media in the campaign against human trafficking, Editor of the Nepal Samacharpatra Daily, Tanka Pant, stressed on the effective coordination between media and concerned campaigners in changing times to crack down human trafficking.

Stating that human trafficking was on the rise due to poverty, human rights activist Laxmi Karki pointed out the need to launch economic empowerment campaigns with a focus on skilled-based income generating schemes in the rural area.

AATWIN Chairperson Mina Bista lamented that human trafficking issue was not acknowledged as a priority despite increasing cases.