Sunischit Bhawisya: Securing Better Future

Trafficking of Children and Young people in Nepal

Human Trafficking continues to be one of the most serious problems facing Nepal. It is a means of exploitation of women and children by forcing them into sex industry, domestic and factory labor, organ transplantation, illegal adoption, and institutionalization.

While primarily a source country, Nepal sees significant cross-border trafficking of young women and children to India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Gulf countries. Internal trafficking from rural to urban areas is also increasing, with children exploited in prostitution and for-profit orphanages. These institutions often have appalling abuse records, making orphanage trafficking a major child protection challenge.

Nearly 11,000 children reside in registered Nepali orphanages, despite 80% having a living parent; only a third meet minimum standards. Alarmingly, 75% are in tourist districts, where police sometimes arrest Western tourists/volunteers for child sexual abuse, including trafficking. Unregistered homes likely house many more vulnerable children.

Child labor is widespread in Nepal, negatively impacting education, development, and health. The 2018 survey estimated 1.1 million child laborers, subjected to the worst forms, including sexual exploitation, forced begging, and hazardous work

See the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in persons Report  (Link to 2024 Trafficking in persons Report)

Our Action

Sano Paila has been active in protecting children's rights since 2012. In 2013, it collaborated with the Government of Nepal and multiple other stakeholders to launch "Sunischit Bhawisya; Securing Better Future" (formerly known as the "Thulo Paila" Program). This initiative aims to prevent and stop violence against children, free them from exploitation, enslavement, and abuse, including combating both internal and cross-border trafficking into India, as well as child labor. Sano Paila has played a key role in exposing the ‘fake orphanage’ business and its links to child trafficking in both national and international media. It has also collaborated closely with Nepali government authorities for the investigation and prosecution of these cases.

Upon rescue, Sano Paila provides immediate protection, care, and rehabilitation to survivors, facilitating their return to families and communities whenever possible. When reunification isn't feasible, Sano Paila makes arrangements for their subsequent long-term care and education at our child welfare facilities, “Sano Ghar” (meaning “Small Homes” in Nepali).

The Sunischit Bhawisya program operates through the following components:

1. 1. Nepal Rescue Agency (NRA): As a cornerstone of the Sunischit Bhawisya program, the NRA leads the critical processes of research, intelligence gathering, and the vital identification of victims, their families and the network of traffickers/perpetrators, as well as assisting the government with rescue needs.
   2. Reintegration and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Families: This three-phased intervention ensures the successful and sustainable reintegration of rescued survivors.
   3. “Sano Ghar” Child Welfare Facility: This community-based model in Birgunj and Janakpurdham of Madhesh Province provides care and protection of orphaned children and those who cannot be reintegrated, ensuring alternative community-based care.

IMPACT

Through the Sunischit Bhawisya - Securing Better Future program, over 422 children have been rescued, reintegrated and provided care after suffering exploitation and abuse, including enslavement and trafficking. Our efforts ensure their safety, well-being, and access to a brighter future. Sano Paila’s commitment extends beyond rescue, focusing on long-term care, reintegration, and empowerment at our child-welfare facilities, “Sano Ghar.” Currently, 26 children reside at Sano Ghar. Furthermore, Sano Paila has directly engaged, informed and empowered over 3,200 children about their rights.

INFOGRAPHIC