KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) has said cooperation and coordination among all concerned bodies, including the federal, provincial and local governments, are essential to building a society free of human trafficking.
In a message issued on the occasion of the 20th National Day Against Human Trafficking, Prime Minister Shah described human trafficking as a disgrace to human civilization and an organized crime that has spread across the world. He stressed the need for greater cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies to combat the crime.
The day is being observed today with the slogan, “Proper Use of Technology and Vigilance: Solidarity in Building a Nation Free of Human Trafficking.”
Prime Minister Shah said advances in technology have also brought changes in the trends, nature, methods and destinations associated with human trafficking and smuggling.
He said the government is undertaking policy and institutional reforms in line with Nepal’s national and international commitments to prevent and control human trafficking. Various initiatives are being carried out through coordination and cooperation among the three levels of government and other concerned agencies, he added.
According to Shah, a bill to amend the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064, in line with the Palermo Protocol, has been registered in Parliament. He said the proposed amendment is expected to strengthen international cooperation and coordination while ensuring the protection of the human rights of victims of trafficking.
Shah also said existing legal and institutional mechanisms are being brought in line with the federal structure, while a national policy against human trafficking has been formulated and implemented.
He stressed that the campaign against human trafficking requires not only the efforts of the federal government but also the active participation of provincial and local governments, national and international non-governmental organizations, development partners and other concerned bodies.
“It will be possible to create a society free of human trafficking only through our collective initiatives and joint efforts,” Shah said in his message.
He expressed gratitude to all individuals and organizations that have continuously supported, coordinated and cooperated with the government’s campaign against human trafficking. He also called for continued support, cooperation and solidarity to strengthen the government’s efforts to combat the crime.
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