Child Trafficking in Nepal
According to UNICEF, the numbers of children trafficked in Nepal are much higher than what is reported, because most trafficking victims are unaccounted for.
The reported numbers include:
- At least 12,000 Nepalese children are trafficked to India per year, mainly for sexual exploitation.
- 11,000-13,000 girls and women work in the "Night Entertainment Industry" in Kathmandu alone. The actual numbers are much higher.
- Some trafficked children are as young as 7-8 years old.
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN FROM NEPAL TRAFFICKED?
- Children from Nepal are trafficked from their small, sparse villages - often by family members or other people they trust - too many places throughout the world. Some of these places include:
- Urban areas like Kathmandu or Pokhara
- All throughout India
- Gulf Countries, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai
WHY ARE NEPALESE SO VULNERABLE TO TRAFFICKING?
- Trafficking is so prevalent in Nepal because it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world.
- There is also corruption and a lack of law enforcement.
- Trafficking is highest in areas that are behind in health, education, infrastructure and employment.
CHILDREN ARE TRAFFICKED FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND DEVASTATING CHILD LABOR.
Some of the children are sold to:
- Work in Circuses
- Work in Mines
- Work as Servants
- Have their Organs Removed and Sold
- Be Forced to Marry
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF CHILD TRAFFICKING?
- Gender Discrimination
- Poverty
- Lack of Awareness
- Climate Change and Rapid Urbanization
- Poor Education Opportunities
- Lack of Employment