Sex Trafficking in Nepal (03:53)

FREE PREVIEW

Sushma was abandoned by her husband and sold by a trafficker to a brothel in Kolkata, where she escaped. Nepal is still among the poorest countries, with corrupt government and internal conflict. In an organized, covert operation, traffickers sell thousands of women to Indian brothels each year.

Identifying Traffickers (04:35)

Law enforcement is under staffed, so non-governmental organizations like Maiti Nepal help to identify traffickers; Bishnu Kumari Khatri questions people crossing the border. Traffickers take advantage of young women who seek a better life and force them into prostitution. Sushma helped police and Maiti locate her trafficker.

Maiti Nepal (03:05)

Maiti provides housing and support to women who were victims of trafficking. Sushma's traffickers are brought to Maiti for questioning; Sushma must make an accusation before they can be charged. Her trafficker admits to selling her to the Indian brothel.

Vulnerability of Nepali Women (02:53)

In the red light district of Kolkata, Nepali women are in high demand. In her sixties, Kamal has been a prostitute since she was trafficked as a girl. Many men are involved in the trafficking of one girl, but often only one man is identified.

Legal Action Against Traffickers (05:01)

Political activists like Renu have motivated legal action against traffickers. Trafficking is based on discrimination against women. Sushma travels back to her children at her mother's home and explains what happened.

Ending Trafficking (01:39)

Koirala argues the Nepali government needs to do more to decrease trafficking. Enforcing legislation is a major challenge. Punya Prasad Neupane asserts that changing a country's values takes time, but he has hope.

Credits: Nepal: a Narrow Escape (00:57)

Credits: Nepal: a Narrow Escape