Human trafficking and open border: Case of Nepal

Abstract

The study looks into causes of human trafficking in Nepal, policy challenges and problems caused by open border. Major causes of human trafficking in Nepal are low levels of economic development and poverty, low levels of employment opportunities for women, harmful practices and gender based violence, natural calamities and dependence on tourism. Although Nepal has made various provisions to limit human trafficking through constitution to ratifying international agreements, there are still many challenges. At present Nepal has a blanket policy for women that bar women from going to gulf countries for domestic works. This has encouraged employment seekers to opt for illegal routes that make women vulnerable to trafficking. Nepal still has a long way to go in terms of implementing the laws formed to control trafficking. Open border poses many challenges to controlling human trafficking in Nepal. Traffickers find out different routes and ways to traffic. Trafficking from Western part of Nepal has increased after authorities in Eastern borders have intensified activities. There are various organizations working to control human trafficking in Nepal. Authorities from both India and Nepal have worked in collaboration to control trafficking and rescue trafficked persons.