Over 570 Adults and children were reported to be missing from 2017 to 2019 from which 275 persons are still missing. The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee revealed this as the committee presented its Review Report on Legislation and Strategies for addressing Human Trafficking at the National Council today.
Presenting its Review Report on the matter, the chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee informed Human Trafficking is a global problem with nearly 25 million people estimated to be trafficked around the world.
“Human Trafficking is a global problem and Bhutan is no exception to the risk of this heinous crime. There are five commonly reported types of human trafficking namely sexual exploitation, forced labour, child labour, involuntary domestic servitude and trafficking in the human organs,” said Kesang Chuki Dorjee, the Chairperson of Social and Cultural Affairs Committee.
She further added with the decline of Bhutan’s ranking in the Trafficking in Persons Report by the United State Department, the review on the matter is timely.
As per the observations and findings of the review report, the committee found a total of 573 Adults and children were reported to be missing from 2017 to 2019. Of the 573 missing people, 262 missing persons were found and 275 persons are still missing.
However, the committee added many families do not report back to the Police if the missing persons are found. Elopement, motor vehicle accidents, students and monks running away, illicit relationships and troubled romantic relationships are some of the main reasons for a missing person.
Meanwhile, from the survey forms shared with all 205 gewogs, there was a total of 44 persons from seven districts reported missing to the Local Government leaders between the periods 2013 to 2018.
“Out of them, Dagana reported the highest number of missing persons with 14 such cases. Followed by Sarpang district with 11 cases, Lhuentse 5, Trongsa 3 and Bumthang 2. Meanwhile, Monggar, Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang reported the least with 1 case each,” shared Ugyen Namgay, the Deputy Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee.
The committee also disclosed it found loopholes in the legislation related to human trafficking in the Penal Code of Bhutan. The Department of Law and Order under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, the lead agency to look after the issue of human trafficking, lacks human resources and budget. Further, there is also no policy on how to address trafficking in persons in the country today.
To combat these issues, the committee made 5 draft recommendations of amending legislation on Human Trafficking, give adequate manpower and funding for the Department of Law and Order. Further, the committee also recommended to create sensitization and awareness programmes, create a central Bhutan 24/7 emergency helpline and social media contact address and improve employment opportunities in the country.
The House will continue the deliberation on the recommendations tomorrow.
Kinley Dem/Passang Dorji
