Kathmandu, Nepal - 04 August 2017 - On 4 August 2017, under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT), UNODC delivered a briefing on the ratification and accession process for the UN Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) Protocols for 15 government and civil society representatives.
The briefing was requested by the Government of Nepal given the strong expressed interest of the authorities in ratifying both Protocols in the near future. Nepal has already ratified the United Nations Transnational Organized Crime Convention, the parent convention of the TIP and SOM Protocols.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Kedar Neupane, recalled that "it is in the strong interest of Nepal to ratify the TIP and SOM Protocols".
Mr. Neupane informed that the Parliamentary Committee on TIP has recently taken significant steps towards ratification. "In order for ratification to be successful, we will need the engagement of all stakeholders. I am certain with the commitment of your respective ministries and organizations, and the support of UNODC, we will achieve our goal".
Taking advantage of the meeting, Mr. Neupane announced a Policy level and Working Committee on Ratification composed of both government and civil society representatives who will take responsibility for ensuring that ratification progresses.
Ms. Aimée Comrie, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer and GLO.ACT policy lead, outlined the technical process of ratification and accession, as well as the nature of technical assistance which UNODC can provide. Ms. Binija Goperma, Program Coordinator, Nepal reiterated that GLO.ACT stands ready to deliver legislative review, support to the drafting and consultation phases, as well as policy support.
"Nepal already has human trafficking legislation, national policy and strategy lines, as well as a significant record of investigations, prosecutions and convictions. Ratifying the Protocols is the logical next step in confirming Nepal's strong commitment to combat and prevent these crimes".
GLO.ACT also invited Advocate Sabin Shrestha to present the findings of a legislative review of the Human Trafficking and Transportation Control Act of 2007. Advocate Shrestha stressed the need to implement a few key amendments to the existing framework in order to ensure that victims are protected, including from criminalization for crimes which they were compelled to commit in the course of their exploitation.
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali civil society organizations and UNICEF.
GLO.ACT is a four-year (2015-2019) joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Binija Goperma, Programme Coordinator,
GLO.ACT Nepal,
binija.goperma@unodc.org
www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/
Email: glo.act@un.org
Twitter: @glo_act
