Nepal: Advancing data-driven responses to Trafficking in Persons

Nagarkot, Nepal/10 July 2025: Reliable, high-quality data is critical for an effective response to human trafficking. Without data, governments, law enforcement, and service providers are left without a clear picture of the scope, trends, and impact of the crime, which hinders both prevention and justice efforts. In countries where trafficking in persons remains a serious concern, strengthening the national capacity to produce and use robust data is vital for protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling trafficking networks.

In response to this pressing need, UNODC, in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), brought together 15 representatives from key institutions--including relevant government ministries, the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and international organizations—for a hands-on workshop on data collection. 

Inaugurated by Hon’ble Secretary of the NHRC, Mr. Murari Prasad Kharel, the workshop facilitated the development of a reliable and internationally comparable evidence base on trafficking in persons. Mr. Ulrich Meiser, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Nepal, highlighted the significance of improved data systems in strengthening coordinated responses and expressed appreciation for the Government of Nepal’s continued collaboration.

Discussions during the workshop focused on real-time trafficking trends and data practices. Senior Superintendent of Police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau shared crime patterns based on existing police records, while Mr. Prajwal Sharma of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) underscored emerging trends and the urgency of standardized data collection mechanisms.

A key outcome of the workshop was the familiarization of stakeholders with the International Classification for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons (IC-TIP)—a framework developed to enable countries to collect, manage, and report data in a harmonized way. Participants were introduced to various prevalence estimation methodologies and engaged in practical sessions to equip them to apply these methods in their own institutional contexts.

Importantly, the workshop led to the development of a draft action plan for the implementation of IC-TIP in Nepal, laying the groundwork for improved national data systems aligned with international standards. This initiative was supported by the European Union, as part of a broader regional programme to strengthen South Asia’s collective capacity to address human trafficking and migrant smuggling through evidence-based policymaking and enhanced cooperation.

This activity contributed to SDG 5, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(The project is funded by the European Union)