Meera (23) from Nepal was lured by a false promise of a job in India. She thought that her life would change for the better and her family would benefit from the wages she would earn. However, what she did not know was that her dream would be shattered and she would become a victim of human trafficking.
Meera’s story is not an isolated case. In fact, thousands of women are trafficked from Nepal to India every year. According to a report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), around 15,000-20,000 women and girls are trafficked from Nepal to India annually.
Meera was promised a job as a domestic help in Delhi with a monthly salary of INR 10,000. She was excited about the prospect of earning such a large amount of money and providing for her family. However, when she reached Delhi, she was taken to a brothel and forced into prostitution.
Meera narrates her story with tears in her eyes, “I was devastated when I realised what was happening. I felt trapped and helpless. I was forced to sleep with multiple men every day. I didn’t know how to escape from this nightmare.”
Meera’s ordeal continued for months, until she was finally rescued by a non-governmental organisation on the initiative of the NGO Maiti, Nepal. She was taken to a rehabilitation centre where she received medical attention and counseling. She now rues the day she left Nepal.
“I wish I had never left Nepal. I was immature and did not know the dangers of human trafficking. I was promised a job, but I didn’t know that it was a trap. I lost my dignity and my self-respect. I hope no one else has to go through what I went through,” says Meera, with a deep sense of regret.
Meera’s story is a stark reminder of the harsh reality of human trafficking. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. The victims are often promised a better life but they end up being exploited and abused.
According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), human trafficking is the third-largest criminal activity in the world, after drug and arms trafficking. It is estimated that around 25 million people are currently victims of human trafficking globally.
Meera’s story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. It is important for governments, NGOs and civil society to work together to prevent human trafficking and provide support to the victims.
“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights. It is a form of modern-day slavery and must be eradicated. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and provide support to victims like Meera,” says a spokesperson for the NGO based in Gorakhpur that rescued Meera.
Meera will return to her family back in Nepal. She is slowly rebuilding her life and trying to move on from the trauma she experienced. She is grateful to the NGO that rescued her and helped her get back on her feet.
“I am grateful to the NGO for rescuing me and giving me a second chance at life. I am determined to rebuild my life and help others who have been victims of human trafficking. I don’t want anyone else to suffer like I did,” says Meera with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Meera’s story is a reminder that human trafficking is a global problem that needs to be addressed urgently. It is a crime that destroys lives and leaves its victims traumatised for years. It is time for governments and civil society to come together and take concrete action to prevent human trafficking and provide support to the victims.