Practices of Shelter Services for Successful and Dignified Reintegration of TIP Survivors in Nepal

Reintegration of survivors is a multidimensional process that requires comprehensive care services for physical and mental health, legal justice, safety and security, and socio-economic well-being. The paths to successful and dignified reintegration are challenging due to various economic, social, legal, and cultural factors. Up to six months of care services provided by the shelters prepare survivors for reintegration; however, how the larger society and government system work to enable them after their exit from the shelter is vital for successful reintegration. Shelter management has a direct and positive impact on the successful reintegration of survivors. Shelters play a crucial and significant role in building the confidence of survivors and empowering them economically to reintegrate into their family and society. Comprehensive shelter care services lead to successful reintegration of TIP survivors. Comprehensive care services encompass the minimum basic needs services, psychosocial counseling, health services, legal support, and networking with employer or private sectors. Adequate annual budget allocations by all three tiers of government (federal, provincial, local) are required to support the comprehensive shelters that provide services for rehabilitation and reintegration. Successful and sustainable reintegration requires need, interest, and context-based reintegration approaches. For successful and sustainable reintegration, survivors' economic self-reliance is essential. Linking with private sectors and employers enhances the economic opportunities that promote their economic independency. The regular monitoring and evaluation of shelters as per the operational procedures and guidelines can strengthen the service quality and effectiveness. Inter-agency coordination and cooperation between shelters, governmental organizations (GOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and development partners has a significant impact on providing better shelter services and a referral system for the survivors. Community awareness and family consultation—in collaboration with the aforementioned entities—play pivotal roles in the preparation for reintegration. Nepal is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. According to the report published by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), about 35,000 people were victims of human trafficking in Nepal in the year 2018. Nepal has made significant efforts to control human trafficking by ratifying international conventions—such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and Palermo Protocol, and enactment of Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control Act) 2007. The government of Nepal has put a high emphasis on prevention and protection; however, reintegration of survivors of TIP is less of a priority. Shelter-based services are one of the essential steps for preparing the groundwork for successful reintegration of TIP survivors into family and society. The survivors, particularly women and girls who did not receive shelter services, face multiple problems and issues—including social stigma and vulnerability—along with economic constraints.