Minister Orders Effective Implementation of New National Policy Against Human Trafficking

Kathmandu. Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Shraddha Shrestha, has issued strict directives to the concerned stakeholders to effectively implement the National Policy Against Human Trafficking 2082.

Speaking at an orientation program organized at the ministry on Wednesday, Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that this policy, approved as a priority by the current government, will prove to be a milestone in controlling human trafficking.

She discussed the significant role of the ministry and relevant bodies in policy formulation and emphasized that it must now be translated into practice rather than remaining confined to paper. Minister Shrestha also clarified the challenges faced during the rescue of citizens affected by human trafficking.

She admitted that limited resources and procedural complexities are causing difficulties in timely rescue and coordination.

Her view is that rescued women hesitate to file complaints due to social stigma and insecurity, and often fail to remain in contact even after filing a complaint, stressing that all parties must facilitate this process. Since the new policy covers all these aspects, the Minister sought everyone's support for its successful implementation.

Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal directed the implementation of the policy's provisions to show tangible results. She stated that laws and acts are not hindering the work and that major problems can be addressed starting with small steps. She added that government and non-governmental bodies can immediately undertake many tasks other than legal amendments and actions.

According to Joint Secretary Abha Shrestha, the new policy was introduced because the previous policy, formulated in 2052 BS, was inadequate to face contemporary challenges. The new policy aims to address trafficking through the use of technology and the challenges of the modern era.

Presenting at the program, Basanta Raj Panthi highlighted the problems from repatriation to rescue and the lack of control mechanisms at the provincial and local levels as the main issues. The policy prioritizes five key areas, emphasizing awareness building, provision of a rehabilitation fund, and psychosocial counseling.