Rescuing Girls from Sexual Exploitation in Nepal

Covid-19
The Corona crisis has a major impact on the sexual exploitation of children. Millions of people have already lost their jobs due to the corona virus. The United Nations estimated that 42-66 million children are currently living in extreme poverty as a result of the crisis in addition to the estimated 386 million children who were already living in extreme poverty before the crisis[1]. Growing up in poverty makes children extra vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Precisely in those places where the travel and tourism industry, which is now completely shut down, is the main source of income, families and children with no other means of earnings themselves can be designated to offer sex in exchange for primary necessities of life.

In places where tourism’s main source of income is now disappearing, the existing balance of power between abusers and exploiters and their victims and families under pressure will become even more unequal. This may be because they are 'groomed' online, where it is easier and without supervision to contact children. It is therefore of the utmost importance that Free a Girl can continue its work and also expand our resources and expertise in combating child prostitution online.

Despite the lockdown, we've still managed to rescue 4 minor girls from situatiosn of sexual exploitation in Nepal in May and June. 

These are very challenging times for everyone, including Free a Girl. It is however of utmost importance that Free a Girl can continue her activities. 

[1]UN policy brief April 2020: The Impact of COVID-19 on children https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/policy_brief_on_covid_impact_on_children_16_april_2020.pdf

Results July 2019-June 2020

• 40 children are rescued from situations of sexual exploitation. All survivors received legal support and immediate aftercare.
• 53 survivors of sexual exploitation (rescued by Free a Girl or another organisation) received psychosocial and medical care. 
• 5 survivors received formal education and they could move on to the next schoolyear. 15 other survivors wanted to start their formal education, but they had to wait, as the schools are currently closed. They now receive informal education at home and receive extra motivation coaching and counselling. 
• 24 survivors are reintegrated with their families after their families were assessed. These survivors will still be contacted regularly to prevent revictimisation. 
• In June 2020, a meeting was organized with local autorities. Because of the Covid-19 measures, only 13 people could attend. However, the mayor of Pokhara shared to be impressed by the work.