- September 5, 2026
In the aftermath of the Bhote Koshi flash flood of 26 August 2026, thousands of people have been displaced across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and downstream districts. Disasters can significantly increase the risk of human trafficking as families lose livelihoods, documentation, shelter and access to their usual support networks. Relief camps and displacement can also create opportunities for traffickers to approach particularly vulnerable people.
Recognising these heightened risks, Humanitarian Aid International (HAI), an ADRRN member, has developed practical guidelines in consultation with a LOCAL platform partner with extensive experience in preventing and responding to human trafficking. The guidelines highlight common trafficking tactics in disaster settings, including deceptive job and livelihood offers, online relationships and marriage proposals, and offers of aid, shelter or schooling for children.
The guidance identifies unaccompanied and separated children, adolescent girls, women heading households, families who have lost their assets, undocumented survivors, and people seeking urgent employment or shelter as groups requiring particular attention. It provides practical actions for families, survivors and humanitarian volunteers, including verifying job and travel offers, registering children at relief camps, protecting personal information, strengthening camp-level screening and monitoring, and ensuring safe and confidential referrals to appropriate services.
The full guidelines, including key warning signs, practical do’s and don’ts, actions for volunteers, and relevant Nepal helpline numbers, are available below for detailed reference.
