An amazing milestone event in the fight against Human Trafficking in Nepal

This is an important update – although a bit long, please take the time to read it as it’s a very big deal for us.

Last week, Government Officials of the Kapilvastu District in the Western Region of Nepal (one of the regions where our partner, 3 Angels Nepal, has significant anti-trafficking activities, supported by you – our Captivating donors) made a special request of 3AN. This request was in fact an incredible honor, and represents a milestone event and much accolade for the the work of the dedicated team at 3AN and their fight for girls in Nepal. The request was for 3AN to provide this senior team of Government Officials training on trafficking so that together they could join forces to find solutions to end this organized crime from Nepal. This was an amazing opportunity.

Shortly thereafter, 3AN organized 2 days of training with the Government group. Participants in these meetings included the key decision makers of the district, and department heads:  the Chief District Officer, Local Development Officer, District Education officer, Office of the Employment, Mayer of the city, Border Security in-charge, Senior Superintendent of police, Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Police, Women Protection Officer, Child Protection Officer and several others.

Rajendra from 3 AN reports the following: “The outcome of the training was a Joint Commitment Document covering nine strategic decisions, principles and commitments. This document was signed by all concerned stakeholders under the leadership of Chief District Officer (the tall man in the white shirt). Rajendra Gautam, Executive Director of 3 Angels Nepal (in the orange shirt) and the Local Development officer read the declaration at the conclusion of the session with everyone holding hands in an public expression of unity of purpose. Of the nine strategic commitments, the first 3 points are the most important ones:

1. Exploring Local Opportunities is the key to Combat Human Trafficking in Nepal – (a theory developed by Dr. Rajendra Gautam in his Ph.D study of Human Trafficking in Nepal).  All participants unanimously agreed to this.
2. Sealing off the existing open border system with India – this agenda of 3 AN was unanimously agreed by all participants and marks a critical direction and first step forward; and
3. The Government recommendation that 3 AN take a lead to formulating strategies to include other like minded organizations within the district to join together and fight HT within the district.”

Rajendra went on to say: “The incidence of activity of Human Trafficking has grown significantly since the earthquake. Thank you Captivating International and Asian Aid for your partnership making it possible for us to fight against such a big crime in Nepal and your participation to providing JUSTICE and HOPE to the survivors. This training event was done within the Captivating International funded project area, but the plan is that similar training efforts will now be replicated in other parts as required and made possible through this new government cooperation”.

Our congratulations to the whole team at 3 Angels Nepal. To find out more about our anti-trafficking work, please contact juliec@captivating.org.  On average, it costs US$100 to intercept a girl at a border – literally a life saved for the cost of a family meal. To support this work, click on our Donate button above and select our “Nepal – Set a Girl Free Program”.