KATHMANDU: American Ambassador to Nepal, Peter W Bodde, visited some villages of Kavrepalanchok district to observe an USAID-funded programme against human trafficking.

A press statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu said the envoy visited the villages this week where The Asia Foundation (TAF) is conducting the Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) project with an investment of USD 9.1 million.

The CTIP project aims to advance the protection of youth, the prevention of human trafficking in Nepal and the prosecution of perpetrators, the statement added.

The project launched in 2010 is run in 12 districts of Nepal including Kavre.

“Ambassador Bodde met members of Village Committees for Controlling Human Trafficking, and discussed how these local bodies carry out anti-trafficking activities within their communities, particularly in a post-disaster environment,” the statement added, “The Ambassador also met beneficiaries of CTIP livelihood/skills training, and learned how they have successfully established small businesses, assisted in post-earthquake construction, and improved the economic well-being of their families.”

Under the programme, the TAF has been raising awareness about human trafficking through schools, and helping youth who migrate for jobs to avoid being trafficked.