Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The United States Department of State has downgraded Nepal to the Tier 2 Watch List in its 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report which highlights Nepal’s shortcomings in controlling human trafficking.
The report is published annually by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons of the US Department of State. It ranks governments based on their efforts to acknowledge and combat human trafficking. Nepal was on the Tier 2 list in the 2023 report.
The report states that while Nepal is making efforts to combat human trafficking, these have fallen short of the minimum standards required for the elimination of human trafficking. It, however, acknowledges some positive steps taken by the Nepali government, including a slight increase in convictions of traffickers and an expansion of services provided to potential trafficking victims. Additionally, the report recognizes the enactment of a bill granting citizenship to certain stateless persons in Nepal, which is expected to benefit thousands of people, as a measure that could reduce vulnerability to trafficking.
However, these efforts were overshadowed by several critical shortcomings, according to the report. The report states that the government has failed to finalize draft amendments that would criminalize all forms of labor trafficking and sex trafficking for a ninth consecutive year. Likewise, it states that a decrease in the prosecution of traffickers suggests the growing complicity of officials in trafficking crimes.
Similarly, the report has found Nepal’s efforts to identify and protect male trafficking victims and those involved in transnational labor trafficking inadequate. It also said that the government has failed to put sufficient efforts in overseeing recruitment agencies, holding fraudulent labor recruiters accountable and protecting Nepali migrant workers abroad.
To address these issues, the US State Department has outlined several priority recommendations for Nepal. These include amending the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act to align with international protocols, increasing investigations and prosecutions of trafficking cases (including those involving allegedly complicit officials), and establishing standard operating procedures for victim identification and referral to services.
It has also suggested that Nepal enhance the availability and quality of protection services for all trafficking victims, particularly men, boys, and workers exploited abroad. Strengthening regulations and oversight of labor recruitment companies, including eliminating recruitment fees charged to migrant workers, is another key recommendation made in the report.
