Book Review (Spotlight Weekly)

On Girl Trafficking

A research study conducted by a group of experts, highlights the different context of trafficking in Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

Trafficking, in any forms, is a widely studied issue in Nepal. Being one of the major victims of human trafficking, Nepal has focused on the ending of this inhuman practice. Girl trafficking continues to be one of the major problems of Nepal. There are several books that have written on this subject. The book-in-question, however, provides a comprehensive insight into this problem maintaining focus on the specific context.

Based on extensive study of various conceptual definition of trafficking, the book tries to explore the perception on the trafficking; and build concept and definition of trafficking.

“In Nepal, very little writing conceptualizes trafficking beyond prostitution and as human rights violation. There are widely varying perceptions and absence of consensus on the concept and definition of trafficking. The current laws, policies and even the proposed anti-trafficking Bill tabled before the now dissolved House of Representatives focus on trafficking for the purpose of prostitution only, which, however, is only one of the purposes of trafficking,” writes Dwarika N Dhungel, executive director, Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). “The study has two main objectives: first, prepare an inventory of the organizations working in anti-trafficking initiatives; and, second review and analysis of various dimensions of trafficking, and identify gaps in plans and policies, laws and their enforcement, program implementation and strategy adopted to undertake initiatives on the basis of the information collected.”

Conducted under the advise of Dr. Meena Acharya and principal investigator Ms. Bindu Gautam, the study is first of its kind that investigates and analyses various aspects of the trafficking in Nepal.

“This comprehensive research work done by IIDS has helped to prepare an inventory of the organizations working on anti-trafficking. It has also helped to review and analyze various dimensions of trafficking,” said Chandani Joshi, regional program director UNIFEM, South Asia Regional Office.

Since it is based on intensive study, the research is going to be an useful advocacy tool and a rich resource for diverse practitioners including development planners, policy makers and implementers including government, NGOs and national and international organizations working against trafficking.

From discussing the role of non-governmental organizations to presenting empirical data on trafficked women and children, the book has documented all kinds of information.

It also discusses the anti-traffic interventions and role of government and non-governmental organizations in preventing trafficking. “It reviews and analyses the gaps between policies, programs and implementation strategies; identifies the gaps in the method of information and collection; and makes recommendation to fill the gaps between policies and programs and their implementation,” said Dhungel.

The book, among others, also analyses the places, destinations and reason of the trafficking. From economic to cultural and social sides, the study team has done every possible effort to analyze the reality of the situation.

“In Nepal, presenting empirical data on trafficked women and children, places of origin and destination of trafficking, and purpose of trafficking with accuracy is difficult,” the book reveals in its executive summary.

After analyzing various elements, the book draws the conclusion that trafficked persons suffer from various social, psychological and physical problems. They face various types of violation, torture, trauma and humiliation from the starting point of trafficking.

One of the important recommendations of the book is that there is a lack of coordination between donors, NGOs, GOs and networks, which is causing duplication of funding and programs. The government agencies concerned need to take initiative for effective coordination.

Status and Dimensions of Trafficking within Nepalese Context

Jointly published by: Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) and United Nation Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

Price: Undisclosed

Pages: 344

Sindhuli Road Section II Opened

A 12.5km long segment of the Sindhuli Road (Section II: Sindhuli Bazar – Khurkot), has been opened for road traffic movement beginning April 19. Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Buddhiman Tamang and the Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Zenji Kaminaga jointly inaugurated the road. The road project has been implemented under the grant assistance of the Government of Japan since 2000.

“Until now, the people living in this remote area have been facing difficulties in maintaining convenient and stable life due to the lack of road access. Now, they could enjoy a better access to the markets of Sindhuli Bazar and the cities at the Terai plain. As a result, they will enjoy socio-economic development as well as many other benefits from this accessibility,” states a press release from Japanese Embassy.

“Previously, as the effect of opening of the several segments of the Sindhuli Road (Section IV: Nepalthok – Dhulikhel, 50km section), the Embassy has observed the tremendous increase of the economical activities in Bhakunde Besi in Kavrepalanchok district and other market centers making villagers’ daily life easier and more active.”

Prior to the implementation of the project for Construction of Sindhuli Road, there was only one gateway out of the Capital City to the East-West Highway and the rest of the country. Because of this, there has been an urgent need for a reliable and alternative trunk road connecting Kathmandu Valley and Terai plain that will ultimately strengthen the overall road network system of the Kingdom of Nepal. Realizing this need, the project for Construction of Sindhuli Road is being materialized with the expectation to benefit primarily to the local people and communities living adjoining to the Project area and benefit the people of Nepal in general.