Advocacy: Human Trafficking with Circus Kathmandu

Project

Initial situation

The term "Circus Kathmandu" refers to a circus based in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu Circus is a social enterprise committed to supporting victims of human trafficking.

The circus was founded in 2001 and is made up of former human trafficking victims, particularly young women who were kidnapped or sold from Nepal. The circus provides these women with a platform to develop their circus skills, develop their artistic talents and build independent lives.

Through their performances in the Kathmandu Circus, the artists tell their stories and take a stand against human trafficking. They use acrobatics, juggling, artistry and other circus skills to entertain their audiences, but also to raise awareness and awareness of the reality of human trafficking.

The Kathmandu Circus has gained not only national but also international recognition. The artists have participated in various events and festivals around the world and have used the stage to talk about their experiences and advocate for the rights of victims of human trafficking.

Through their work in the Kathmandu Circus, the former victims are given an opportunity for rehabilitation, development of their talents and economic independence. At the same time, the circus helps combat the social stigmatization of human trafficking victims in Nepal and raises awareness of this issue.

Kathmandu Circus is an inspiring example of how art and culture can be used to inspire social change and support people in difficult situations.

Advocacy involves mobilizing resources, working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders, and raising public awareness of the extent and consequences of human trafficking in Nepal. It aims to influence policymakers to enact and implement effective laws and policies to combat human trafficking.

Through advocacy, victims’ voices are heard and their rights defended. It promotes access to protection measures, support services and legal assistance for victims. Advocacy initiatives can also aim to develop preventive measures to strengthen vulnerable communities, improve educational opportunities and promote gender equality.

Additionally, advocacy can help promote collaboration and exchange of best practices between different actors to ensure a comprehensive response to human trafficking. It works to ensure that the fight against human trafficking becomes a priority at the political, social and international levels.

Overall, advocacy plays a critical role in combating human trafficking in Nepal by raising awareness, driving policy change, supporting victims and promoting preventative measures. It is a tool to address the problem, protect victims and find a long-term solution to this complex and serious social problem.

Explanation of human trafficking in Nepal

Human trafficking in Nepal refers to the illegal trafficking of people in which people are exploited through deception, coercion, or violence. Nepal is both a source country for victims of human trafficking and a transit and destination country.

The main forms of human trafficking in Nepal are sexual exploitation and forced labor. Girls and women are particularly at risk and are often trafficked abroad for prostitution. In addition, men and children are often forced into forced labor in industries such as construction, agriculture, households, and factories.

There are various reasons why Nepal is a vulnerable country for human trafficking. These reasons include poverty, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, social inequality, armed conflict, natural disasters and corruption. These factors create an environment in which people can easily be tempted to emigrate and make false promises.

The impact of human trafficking on victims is devastating. They suffer from physical and psychological violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, degradation and violation of their human rights. Many victims have difficulty escaping their exploitative environment and finding help. They are often under pressure to remain silent for fear of reprisal or stigmatization.

The Nepalese government has taken measures to combat human trafficking, such as adopting stricter laws, establishing specialized law enforcement units, and expanding support measures for victims. However, human trafficking remains a complex challenge that continues to require significant attention, collaboration and advocacy to find effective solutions and strengthen protection mechanisms.

target group

Around 3000 people (students, teachers, families, representatives of the authorities, people from the community and the surrounding villages.)

Project goal and impact
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Advocacy

Advocacy is important to address the issue of human trafficking in Nepal because it poses a variety of challenges and impacts. Nepal is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking, particularly sexual exploitation and forced labor. There are several reasons why advocacy plays a crucial role in combating this problem:

• Raising Awareness: Advocacy helps raise awareness about human trafficking in Nepal. Many people, including potential victims, may be unaware of the signs, risks and consequences of human trafficking. Through educational campaigns, training and awareness-raising activities, advocacy can help increase community awareness and educate people in vulnerable communities.
  
  
• Legislation and Policy: Advocacy can help advance the development and implementation of laws and policies to combat human trafficking in Nepal. It can draw the attention of government and policymakers to the problem and encourage them to enact effective laws that improve victim protection, punish offenders and support prevention measures.
  
  
• Victim support: Advocacy can focus on the needs and rights of victims and ensure appropriate support services are provided. This includes protection, medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and the social reintegration of victims. Through advocacy, victims can be made aware of their rights and gain access to the help they need.
  
  
• Collaboration and Coordination: Advocacy can bring together diverse actors such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and community groups to develop common strategies to combat human trafficking. Through coordinated collaboration, resources can be pooled, best practices shared and effective measures implemented.
  
  
• Prevention: Advocacy can promote preventive measures to curb human trafficking in Nepal. These include programs to strengthen communities, improve access to education and economic opportunities, and promote gender equality. Prevention can better protect people at risk and deter potential perpetrators.

In conclusion, advocacy plays an important role in combating human trafficking in Nepal by raising awareness, driving policy action, supporting victims, encouraging collaboration and taking preventative measures.

Contact person

Pranita Chettri

pranita@booksforchange.org

As co-founder of BOOKS FOR CHANGE , I am passionate about equality and children's education because I firmly believe that education is the key to a better future. I particularly enjoy improving the quality of learning by promoting e-learning in Nepal. This can improve access to education, increase the quality of education and increase the chances for people to achieve their full potential.