Nepal Lawmakers Urged to Revise Human Trafficking Bill

A recent discussion on the proposed ‘First Amendment to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling (Control) Act 2083’ has highlighted the need for further revisions to make the law more effective and time-sensitive.

Organized by the Forum for Women, Law, and Development (FWLD), the discussion brought together lawmakers and stakeholders to review the bill, which was presented in the House of Representatives on Friday.

FWLD Executive Director Savin Shrestha suggested that 22 provisions in the bill require further revision to make it more relevant and effective. These provisions include sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 29.

Human Trafficking in Nepal

Shrestha emphasized that human trafficking is not limited to Nepal and that the country has become both a source and destination for human trafficking. He stressed the need to revise the bill to align it with international agreements and conventions.

The FWLD has pointed out that the current law, which was enacted in 2064 BS, has become outdated and needs to be revised to address the changing dynamics of human trafficking.

Lawmakers participating in the discussion shared their concerns and suggestions for revising the bill. They emphasized the need to protect victims of human trafficking, particularly women and children, and to ensure that the law is effective in preventing and combating human trafficking.

Some lawmakers suggested that the bill should include provisions for providing legal assistance to victims of human trafficking abroad. Others emphasized the need to address the increasing number of male victims of human trafficking.

The discussion highlighted the importance of revising the bill to make it more effective and time-sensitive in addressing the complex issue of human trafficking in Nepal.