KATHMANDU, JULY 30
Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak asserted that there should be zero tolerance for the heinous global crime of human trafficking.
Minister Lekhak made this statement at a special program organized by Nepal Police's Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau at the Staff College in Lalitpur today, marking the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
Calling for collective efforts to minimize this crime, Lekhak argued that the police administration alone could not effectively combat human trafficking. He stressed the need for coordination among local governments, students, and teachers to raise awareness against trafficking. "Human trafficking should be treated as a common enemy and eradicated, as it is globally recognized as a heinous crime with effects that are not confined to any specific region of the world," he stated.
Lekhak argued that human trafficking should be classified as a serious crime and advocated for the provision of remanding alleged traffickers for three months to facilitate thorough investigations. He noted that global statistics indicate that women and infants are the most vulnerable groups during natural disasters.
In terms of human trafficking, women constitute a significant portion of the victims, making them the most susceptible group. He attributed this vulnerability to factors such as poverty, lack of education, and awareness. Therefore, he urged local governments to intensify public awareness campaigns and called on the media to disseminate informative content.
Similarly, Home Secretary Eknath Aryal, recognizing human trafficking as a global concern and challenge, requested public assistance for the police by providing factual information, evidence, and findings to aid in the prosecution of traffickers.
Acting Attorney General Tek Bahadur Ghimire informed that policies and laws against human trafficking were first issued during the tenure of the late Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR. These laws have been refined over time, with a significant act issued in 2064 BS, which guides the prosecution of culprits and justice delivery to victims.
Inspector General of Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar emphasized that human trafficking is a serious crime against humanity on a global scale. He called for cooperation from all sectors to prevent this crime.
Likewise, Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, advocated for a door-to-door awareness campaign against human trafficking.
She also highlighted the need for transformative changes in societal mindsets to effectively tackle this crime.
