Implementation of the anti-child trafficking framework in Nepal: an impaired diffusion process

ABSTRACT

Applying the ideas of policy diffusion, this paper investigates how anti-child trafficking policies and frameworks have been diffused in Nepal, and critically analyses their implementation in practice. The findings show how different socio-cultural and regulatory factors have either individually or collectively stifled the diffusion trajectory of a comprehensive anti-child trafficking response in Nepal. As a result, anti-child trafficking interventions have been impaired at the implementation stage. The fact that policy diffusion is driven by pro-innovation bias has meant that globally inspired policies and frameworks have fallen short in terms of delivering the intended benefits to the victims and making their voices heard.

KEYWORDS:

• Child trafficking
• diffusion policies
• Nepal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shovita Dhakal Adhikari

Shovita Dhakal Adhikari is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Bournemouth University. Her research covers human trafficking, migration, border policing, and the Global South.

Pawan Adhikari

Pawan Adhikari is Professor of Accounting reforms in emerging economies, participatory budgeting, climate budget, and investment in South Asia.