Trafficking: An Infuriating Repercussion of the Nepal Earthquakes
This morning, the monthly e-newsletter from Rescue Foundation arrived in our inboxes. Rescue Foundation was founded by our 2013 Honoree Triveni Acharya and exists to rescue and rehabilitate victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
We are used to reading of the heroic tales of deliverance as Triveni Acharya and her crew bust brothels throughout India. We rejoice with them as girls’ lives are saved and weep with them as we read of the inexplicable circumstances they face. But this newsletter brought with it an unexpected bit of news — an unfortunate consequence of the Nepal earthquakes.
The world mourned together in April, then again in May, when devastating earthquakes struck Nepal, killing thousands, and displacing tens of thousands more. It’s in these circumstances where women and children can suffer the most. We’ve learned from Triveni and Rescue Foundation that many girls and women have been easily trafficked into India following this devastation.
“Perpetrators exploited them brutally and forcefully by selling females to brothels in cities in India having huge clientele,” reads the newsletter. “Suddenly the red light areas became filled with Nepali girls.”
It’s tragic that, in a time of great need, those most vulnerable are exploited.
“Natural disasters are uncontrollable but human trafficking is a man-made disaster. It has to be not only condemned but has to be combated with full force.”
And that’s exactly what Triveni and her team did. With great force and precision, Rescue Foundation rescued 14 Nepali girls from Thane in Mumbai this past June. They pledge to continue their efforts to combat such a heinous crime.
Throughout the world there is great need. Whether it’s the victims of sexual exploitation in India, or survivors in Nepal trying to put their lives back together, your help is needed.
» Give to support Nepal Earthquake Relief
» Give to support Triveni in rescuing trafficked girls
