Maiti Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Police organized an Interaction Program between the police personnel and local government on their roles in reducing sexual violence in Kathmandu on June 27, 2023. The meeting was attended by the representatives from the Law Enforcement Agencies such as Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau, local government, community police, and Women Cell with an objective to discuss on the issues and their major roles in the prevention of sexual violence of vulnerable populace.
The meeting was conducted with an objective of bringing together the expertise from different units and work together in solidarity to minimize vulnerable population from sexual exploitation.
Police officers from different units and representatives from the local government were called upon in the meeting to deliberate in an issue of human trafficking and form a team for solidarity to combat against human trafficking. The meeting led to constructive discussions on the major causes that have resulted to trigger sexual exploitation of vulnerable groups and stressed upon different strategic ways that could prevent its trend all across the country. Every participants contributed their ideas on how the sexual violence take place straightforwardly that is causing long term effects on the victims and their family linking it to their social stigma and prestige. They also discussed on the major challenges they come across through many such cases as majority of it go hostile due to lack of proper evidence. Lapse in the constitution of Nepal and failing to address the issues of sexual exploitation of minor boys has made the concerned authority hard to make right decision regarding prosecution of the cases.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to address such issues that will be accountable to deal with. The concerned authority must perform action remaining within the legal framework. Every responsible entities must work in collaboration to prevent sexual violence of the vulnerable population not just limiting to at risk women. A task force must be formed comprising of members from the Law Enforcement Agencies to minimize the risk of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by strategically acting upon it.
The meeting focused on the need for the joint effort of Nepal police, Civil Society Organizations, local government and the concerned stakeholders to execute effective interventions in Adult Entertainment Sectors that are actively functioning in Kathmandu Valley. Everyone is aware that AES are growing in every corners of the valley abusing girls and minors sexually and mentally. Majority of the minors get involved in it in search of employment opportunities and eventually get sexually exploited which affect their mental and physical health for a long run.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect the vulnerable girls and create an environment free from such trends and activities by making an effective interventions in it against sexual exploitation. Periodic monitoring visits must be made to monitor the activities and facilities employees are receiving from the employers/companies based on the existing legal standards and ensure that the rights of the workers are protected. Furthermore, the issue should be taken to a higher level of authorities to draw their attention to the protection and safety of the employees serving in the entertainment sector.