Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has called for collective and organized efforts to combat human trafficking and transportation. Speaking at a programme organized today by the main celebration committee to mark the 19th National Day against Human Trafficking, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for coordinated actions at the ward, community, and political levels to effectively fight this grave crime.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister Singh highlighted the global network involved in human trafficking, describing it as a heinous crime. He underscored that the Constitution of Nepal guarantees the right against trafficking as a fundamental right for all citizens, prohibiting slavery and servitude in any form. He reminded attendees of the state’s responsibility to prevent human trafficking and to safeguard the rights of survivors and those affected.
Singh cited estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), indicating that 50 million people worldwide are currently trapped in modern slavery. He pointed out that factors such as poverty, economic hardship, domestic conflict, climate change, and lack of access to education and employment have contributed to the rise in human trafficking.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that human trafficking is a socially condemnable and legally punishable offense, as well as a deep social taboo. He called for combined efforts to address it and reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing potential cases. Singh added that the task would be more effective if governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders worked together.