Cross-border trafficking is a widespread phenomenon in the Indo-Nepal border. What would you suggest to curtail this grave human rights violation?
Refer – The Hindu
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
· The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 provides for an open border between Nepal and India and there is a seamless human movement.
· Individuals are stopped only on the basis of suspicion, intelligence or information from family members or relatives.
· Following the 2015 Nepal earthquake, there has been threefold increase in human trafficking from Nepal to India.
· Most of the victims were reported to be minors and large number of women left the country to find employment abroad.
What measures needs to be taken?
· Closing the border may prevent cross-border trafficking, but it could also engender economic vulnerabilities for those who have jobs or own businesses along the border.
· It is imperative to create economic opportunities, particularly for the youth, within the country.
· Nepal-India border needs to be equipped with enhanced intelligence networks and effective monitoring mechanisms.
· Public cooperation in keeping vigilance over suspicious activities will enhance border security.
· India could increase its investment in Nepal as this will directly create employment avenues for the locals.
