The Down to Zero Alliance funded by Dutch of Foreign Affairs, a three-year project (2023-2026), “Step Up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children” (SUFASEC), is being implemented across five districts: Morang, Rupandehi, Bardiya, Kanchanpur, and Kathmandu. In the alliance there are six partners- Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Plan International Netherlands, Defence for Children – ECPAT, and Free a Girl, and partners from the Global South like Conexión and CRC Asia; among which we receive support directly through Free A Girl.

The proposed programme aims for children in all of their diversity to live free of sexual exploitation. The programme uses a multi-sector, multi-actor and systemic approach, recognizing the complexity of SEC and specific contexts in which it takes place. With a child-centric, transformative, and inclusive approach, SUFASEC works to create a safer environment where children in all their diversity are better protected from sexual exploitation.

Down To Zero-Alliance (SUFASEC) Project is a three-year initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implemented in Morang, Rupandehi, Bardiya, Kanchanpur, and Kathmandu, focusing on preventing human trafficking and child sexual exploitation while ensuring survivor aftercare.

Project Objectives:

• Children, youth and their communities successfully challenge social norms and harmful practices related to SEC.
• Children and civil society meaningfully participate in holding duty bearers, including government and local authorities, accountable to their obligations towards improved (implementation of) laws, policies and systems.
• Children and youth have access to and are supported by strengthened assets and protective environments.

Major Activities:

Investigations & Rescues

• Rescued 7 girls in 10 months, including 6 from Nepal’s entertainment sector and 1 from India.
• Collaborated with police and stakeholders for successful operations.

Aftercare & Reintegration

• Provided shelter and support to 408 minors (401 intercepted, 7 rescued).
• Services included psychosocial support, counseling, legal aid, and safe accommodation.
• Conducted family counseling and safety assessments before reintegration.
• Regular follow-ups to ensure survivors’ long-term safety.

Access to Justice

• Legal aid provided to a trafficked minor in Bardiya.
• 1 trafficker arrested under the Human Trafficking and Transportation Control Act 2064.
• Ongoing legal proceedings to ensure justice for survivors.

Workshops & Stakeholder Engagement

• Biratnagar (Feb 9-10, 2024): Two-day workshop with Koshi Province stakeholders on legal procedures and judicial roles in anti-trafficking.
• Kanchanpur (Feb 27, 2024): Cross-border workshop with Nepalese and Indian officials on rescue strategies and joint anti-trafficking efforts.
• Rupandehi (Dec 9, 2024): Cross-border intervention to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and victim reintegration, leading to the formation of Indo-Nepal Joint Action Forum (INJAF).
• DCCHT advocacy meetings to improve coordination, develop strategic plans, and monitor high-risk urban sectors.

Awareness & Prevention Efforts

• 16 Days of Activism: Community discussions on gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking.
• Pamphlet distribution at Nepal-India borders on human trafficking risks and safe migration.
• Training for transport workers to recognize and report trafficking cases.
• Engagement with journalists to strengthen media advocacy on trafficking.

Rescue & Law Enforcement Collaboration

• Quarterly police sensitization meetings, including a Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Team Meeting (July 12, 2024, Kathmandu) to enhance law enforcement responses.

Community & Government Collaboration

• Marked International Women’s Day, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and 16 Days of Activism with rallies and door-to-door awareness campaigns.
• Ongoing partnerships with local governments, CBOs, and schools to advocate for survivor rights and aftercare support.