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Earthquakes

Human Traffickers Target Nepal's Earthquake Victims, Plunging Thousands into Sex Work

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed over 7,000 people in Nepal has left poor rural communities devastated, making them vulnerable to human traffickers who target young women and girls to supply a network of brothels across south Asia. The UN and local NGOs estimate that 12,000 to 15,000 girls are trafficked from Nepal every year, with some taken to countries as far as South Africa and the majority ending up in Indian brothels where tens of thousands are working in appalling conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The earthquake has created a perfect storm for human traffickers to target vulnerable communities, particularly young women and girls, with some being taken overseas to countries like South Korea and South Africa.
  • The majority of the trafficked girls end up in Indian brothels, where they are forced to work in appalling conditions, with tens of thousands still trapped in this situation.
  • Local NGOs, such as Shakti Samuha, are working to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and provide assistance to affected communities, but their efforts are hampered by the well-organized nature of the criminal networks.
  • The Nepalese government has been criticized by the US State Department for not complying with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, despite making significant efforts to do so.
  • Victims of sexual violence, like Sita, who was forced to work in a brothel and infected with HIV, are frequently ostracized in south Asia, where they are seen as having brought shame on their community.

Statistics:

  • 12,000 to 15,000 girls are trafficked from Nepal every year (UN and local NGOs estimate)
  • 7,000 people killed in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake (reported)
  • 3,000 people killed in Sindhupalchok province (reported)
  • Tens of thousands of people displaced by the earthquake (reported)
  • 100,000+ people estimated to be working in brothels in India (reportedly)

Sources:

  • The Guardian: "No one has come': one week on, Nepal quake victims help themselves"
  • The Telegraph: "Nepal earthquake: 'Traffickers target quake victims with promises of help'"
  • US State Department: "Trafficking in Persons Report 2018"

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