Adapted from an article by Sr Anthonia Soosaiappan and Satya Narayan, Opportunity Village Nepal, Nepal (Province of Central East India and Nepal – CEIN)
Thirty-five Nepalese bonded laborers, including five minors, were rescued from a remote village in India (Srinagar) in a joint operation by the Congregation’s Opportunity Village Nepal, Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal, and KIN India, in coordination with the Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi and local law enforcement.
The traffickers lured them with promises of an attractive salary and paid them an advance to gain their trust. But they were taken to Kashmir, where they were kept in captivity and treated inhumanely, suffering terrible physical and mental.
They were forced to live in a single room in the basement and given very little food to survive. Locked in at night, they were taken to construction sites during the day. When they complained, they were threatened with death. The contractor took all their belongings, including mobile phones. The workers feared being killed if they tried to escape or report to the police.
This terrible and helpless situation affected their mental health, making them lose hope of ever returning to their loved ones in Nepal.
However, the situation came to light after three months when two workers escaped and informed local authorities in Nepal who were able to rescue them on May 8, 2024.
Upon their repatriation to Nepal, the rescued laborers were reunited with their families, marked by tears of joy as they expressed their heartfelt gratitude toward their rescuers.
Their wounds and scars showed the severe physical torture they endured.
The local government has promised to provide the laborers with socio-economic rehabilitation support. Sr Taskila Nicolas, country representative of Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal, has promised to provide vocational training and emergency support for the rescued laborers.
Having played a crucial role in their rescue and reintegration, Sr Taskila spoke of how our sisters and partners-in-mission working in the field of anti-human trafficking in India and Nepal remain committed to sustainable rehabilitation and enhancing access to government employment schemes.
Since their return home, the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi has recognized the outstanding humanitarian efforts of Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal and Opportunity Village Nepal. In letters of appreciation, both organizations received acknowledgment for their exceptional work in ensuring the safe return of the laborers to Nepal. Last month, Congregational Leader Sr Joan Marie Lopez, received the award on behalf of Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal (pictured).
Speaking of her deep appreciation for the spirit of collaboration, Sr Anthonia Soosaiappan of Opportunity Village Nepal said, “A strong network of partnerships is essential to protect the vulnerable from various forms of exploitation.”
Founded by the Congregation in 1998, Opportunity Village Nepal was established to further the mission by providing health services, education, and vocational training to disadvantaged girls, women, and children at risk or vulnerable to trafficking.
Since 2018, the work of the mission in Nepal has been extended and strengthened thanks to Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal.
The outcome of this rescue operation and the recognition from the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi highlights the commitment of Good Shepherd International Foundation Nepal and Opportunity Village Nepal to the Congregation’s clear position in responding to local and international anti-human trafficking efforts in our strategic planning and ministries.
