Information about the organizer:

Opportunity Village Nepal (OVN) of Good Shepherd Sisters is a non-government and non - profitable organization that was established in 1998 and registered in the Kathmandu District Administration Office. It aims to promote the welfare of women, young girls, and children, especially those living on the margins and, experiencing exploitation and discrimination. Its main areas of intervention are education, health, skill training, and advocacy. OVN focuses on the 4P strategic intervention: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. The organization works with children, youth, and women who are particularly at risk of being trafficked, sexually exploited, and survivors of human trafficking including those suffering from poverty, and empowers them to lead their lives independently and with dignity and respect.

Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal: The Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal is a not-for-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, humanitarian organization desirous of furthering development activities in Nepal. It was established as a branch of the GSIF, Rome, and registered as an INGO in Nepal in 2018. The Good Shepherd International Foundation supports the programs of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and its partners in more than 30 countries.  It was incorporated as a Foundation (Onlus) in 2008 with its head office in Rome, Italy. The Foundation works to implement a development and human rights-based approach to support the Good Shepherd programs in low and middle-income countries of Africa, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America.

The five-year (2022-2026) strategic plan of GSIF Nepal focuses on three outcome areas – reduction of human trafficking, prevention of unsafe migration, and strengthening the protection mechanisms of children specifically girls, and promotion of integral ecology. GSIF Nepal is currently focusing on SDG 5, 8, 10, and 16, with SDG 1, 2 & 10 as cross-cutting issues. It draws on the international work of the Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace Office at the United Nations including the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

 Co-Organiser: Good Shepherd Sisters -CEIN

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd was founded in Angers, France in 1835 by St. Mary Euphrasia Pellitier. The vision and mission derive from Jesus the Good Shepherd. The Province of Central East India / Nepal comprises the communities in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Nepal. We have Education, Health Care, Residential Care, and Social Action Ministries. We continue to share the agony of the marginalized and the vulnerable people and many of our sisters live among them courageously, crossing the socio-cultural boundaries.

Event information in brief:

Human trafficking remains a serious and universal issue, affecting millions globally. South Asia is one of the regions significantly impacted. "Breaking Chains, Building Future" seeks to address the urgent need for effective reintegration strategies for survivors of trafficking in the South Asian context. This concept note outlines the key objectives, focus areas, and proposed activities for a comprehensive initiative aimed at breaking the chains of exploitation and empowering survivors to build a sustainable future. This event envisions every survivor receiving comprehensive support, empowering them to rebuild their lives with resilience. Through collective action, education, and advocacy, we aim to eradicate trafficking and create a future where South Asia stands as a beacon of hope, justice, and compassion for survivors." In context to Nepal, the Trafficking in Person Report by US Department of State, in 2022, has suggested following recommendations in relation to the reintegration of survivors;

• Finalize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for victim identification and referral, train front-line responders on SOPs, and increase referrals of trafficking victims to services.
• Establish SOPs for law enforcement to investigate human trafficking cases, including referrals between agencies.
• Expand availability and capacity of victim care, including shelter and repatriation, for all victims, especially men and boys and workers exploited overseas.
• Implement the victim-witness protection provisions of the HTTCA.

Research conducted by Good Sheperd International Foundation Nepal and Opportunity Village Nepal in 2022 identified the following key recommendations for effective and better reintegration of the surviors;

a. Survivor reintegration framework

The survivor integration framework should be developed and must take into consideration a wider range of community stakeholders, i.e., family members, community members, local government stakeholders, and other service providers. An isolated approach to contacting only the survivor's family members may not be influential in helping survivors to reintegrate into the family and community.

b. Reintegration plan

Based on the reintegration framework, a reintegration plan should be developed, including a step-by-step guideline for the process of reintegration. It is recommended that the government could set such reintegration guidelines for trafficked victims as a national policy. In the absence of this, the NGOs or survivor rehabilitation centres should develop such framework and use them when they are supporting survivors for reintegration into their families or communities.

c. Financial and economic / livelihood packages

Financial or economic packages are essential to survivors' reintegration. A integrated plan with financial support should be well thought of in advance and be accessible to the survivors during the reintegration process.

d. Follow-up mechanisms

A mechanism for regular follow-up and contact with the survivors must be developed. It will serve as a key to successful reintegration. Good rapport with the organisation/Government will enable the survivors to seek long-term support according to necessity.

e.  Data Evidence

The study reveals that research and data evidence on the reintegration of survivors are essential to design survivor-centered programs, which needs to include reintegration documentation, engagement of family and community networks, support and collaboration for survivor integration and follow-up.

Goal: Comprehensive South Asian Response to Holistic Reintegration of trafficking survivors

Expected Outcome:

The South Asian region will have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with reintegration and a collectively endorsed, culturally sensitive, and holistic approach to guide the implementation of strategies for the successful reintegration of trafficking survivors. This initiative aims to foster regional collaboration, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and pave the way for more effective, sustainable, and culturally relevant reintegration programs. Along with this initiative, follow-up collaborations will be ensured toward establishing a task force comprising experts and policymakers. The task force will target to refine and endorse a unified South Asian implementation plan/strategy for survivor reintegration.

Keynote Speaker

Anuradha Koirala - Maiti Nepal-  Founder CNN Hero 

Panelist:

1. Ms. Minoli Don-  Head of Protection Unit-International Organization for Migration (IOM)  Sri Lanka/Attorney-at-Law

2. Albino Nath- Regional Director (Acting)-Caritas Bangladesh Khulna Region

3. Sr. Meera- National Coordinator-Amrat Talitha Kum India

4. Sr. Rosey Yacoob-Franciscans

5. Indra Raj Bhattarai- Nepal Coordinator,KIN India

Methodology:

• Presentation,
• Sharing session and Panel discussion (Virtual speaker could be present or we can collect required resources and present)
• Puppet Show
• Open floor discussion
• Q&A

Date of the event: 16^th February 2024

Time: 2.00-3.30 PM (90 minutes)

Place: NLC-BLC C-FG-R (3) Nepal Law Campus Block C, Ground floor R(3)

Language: English and Nepali

Number of participants: 80 – 100

Target Participants: Women and girls who are survivors and at-risk of trafficking, duty-bearers, civil society organization representatives from different countries, media personnel, and human rights activists are expected to participate (both in person and virtually).

For the speaker preparation focused on countries

I.The speaker could share the Existing Practices in Trafficking Survivor's Reintegration in  India/Srilanka/Nepal/ Bangladesh/Pakistan/

1. What are the current effective practices in India ( respective country of the speaker) regarding the reintegration of trafficking survivors, specifically focusing on the psychosocial, economic, and legal aspects? ( 3 minutes)

II Recommendations for Holistic Reintegration:

2.What recommendations do you propose to improve the reintegration approach for trafficking survivors, considering psychological, economic, and legal dimensions? ( 3 minutes)

III Preventing Second-Generation Trafficking Survivors

3. How can we develop strategies to prevent the occurrence of second-generation trafficking survivors? Your insights on addressing root causes and implementing preventative measures would be valuable. ( 3 minutes)

Declaration on the Reintegration of Trafficking Survivors

We, the representatives of Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal, Good Shepherd Sisters Central East India -Nepal, Opportunity Village Nepal, Amrat India-Nepal, Talitakum-Pakistan, Kin India, Caritas Bangladesh, and IOM Sri Lanka convened to address the critical issue of human trafficking in South Asia. Recognizing the increasing incidence of human trafficking and the evolving modus operandi, which puts all individuals, including children, women, and men, at high risk, we express our deep concern for the situation of trafficking survivors.

The challenges faced by trafficking survivors are exacerbated by inadequate reintegration strategies and the poor implementation of legal frameworks. Unsafe Migration and unsafe use of social media have further heightened the risks faced by vulnerable populations.

Building on the experiences shared by panelists from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Nepal during the World Social Forum 2024, we propose the following recommendations to strengthen the reintegration approach of South Asian countries:

1. Ensure the establishment of sufficient safe and transit homes with adequate standard services, including health and psychosocial support.
2. Provide economic opportunities to trafficking survivors to enable them to achieve economic independence.
3. Align human trafficking laws with the Palermo Protocol, ensuring that national legislation is in full compliance with the standards outlined in the Protocol.
4. Develop and implement comprehensive reintegration plans at the national level and regional levels.
5. Establish standard operating procedures for the rescue and repatriation of trafficking survivors between source and destination country.
6. Enhance the leadership of survivors within their communities.
7. Increase information dissemination to raise awareness, particularly regarding safe migration and unsafe use of social media.
8. Strengthen community-based vigilance and surveillance committees.
9. Every state should take the necessary steps to address the stigma attached to trafficking survivors and dedicate efforts towards making a supportive community towards survivors.
10. Maintenance of database of survivors to design survivor-centered programs, which needs to include reintegration documentation, engagement of family and community networks, support and collaboration for survivor integration and follow-up.

We call upon South Asian countries to prioritize these recommendations and commit to their effective implementation to ensure the successful reintegration of trafficking survivors into society.

Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal,  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1291 
Good Shepherd Sisters Central East India
Nepal, Opportunity Village Nepal,  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/393 
National Network for Safer Migration https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/635 
NGO Federation of Nepal  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/500 
SWASA https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/420 
WOREC  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/326 
AATWIN https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/150 
WOOFON  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1006 
NJSI  
International allinace of Inhabitants https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-registered-in-wsf/1190 
World Forum for Theology and Liberation  https://www.wsf2024nepal.org/organization-

Amrat India-Nepal, 
Talitakum-Pakistan, 

Kin India, 
Caritas Bangladesh,

IOM Sri Lanka  (not registered in wsf2024?)