KATHMANDU: Stakeholders and lawmakers have called for urgent amendments to Nepal’s revised Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Bill, criticizing it as incomplete and out of step with international standards.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), lawmakers and experts stressed that the bill fails to address emerging forms of trafficking and lacks clarity on key legal distinctions.

Kiran Kumar Sah, Chair of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, emphasized the growing risks faced by women and girls due to poverty, gender inequality, and the open Nepal–India border.

He highlighted flaws in law enforcement, poor victim support systems, and weak surveillance as barriers to ending trafficking.

FWLD Executive Director Sabin Shrestha urged MPs to clearly distinguish between human trafficking and smuggling, and called for separate legislation on smuggling, organ trade, and surrogacy.

He noted some positive changes in the bill but said it still lacks strong provisions for international cooperation, rehabilitation, and protection in sectors like entertainment.

MPs, including Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, pledged to push for clause-by-clause discussion of the bill. Others, like Laxmi Tiwari and Ishwori Gharti Magar, echoed the need for deeper reforms.

Advocate Binu Lama stressed that Nepal must align the law with the Palermo Protocol and international obligations.

The discussion was chaired by FWLD President Geeta Aryal and moderated by Binod Chandra Devkota.