In 2001, WOREC carried out a study in five districts of Nepal to provide baseline information for evaluating WOREC’s existing programs, as well as for directing the organizations’ future activities. This report is a reflection of grassroots people’s perceptions and knowledge about migration, trafficking and HIV/AIDS. A total of 2046 respondents were interviewed, of which 1907 respondents between the ages of 15 and 65 were selected for analysis of the survey data. The study revealed that migration is a necessity for many individuals in rural areas for a sustainable livelihood, particularly because of the few options for employment and income that exist for many. While there was significant awareness about trafficking, not all respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS or STDs, and nor do they fully understand the modes of transmission of such diseases. Underlying all issues was the finding that gender discrimination is prevalent at the household and community levels, a factor which has repercussions for nutrition, health, education, and risk for trafficking.

The main purpose of the study was to test the links between migration, trafficking and the incidence of HIV/AIDS. It was found that when villagers, particularly young girls and women, migrate with no information or with misinformation, there exists a high chance that they will fall victims to trafficking. These trafficked girls and women are generally sold in brothels in India, where they are forced to work in slavery-like conditions, and therefore have a high chance of becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. The findings of the survey are consistent with literature and reports dealing with the links between migration, trafficking and HIV/AIDS.

For a copy of this report, or for more information, contact WOREC at info@worecnepal.org.