The International Labor Organization (ILO) conservatively estimates that 3.8 million adults and 1 million children under the age of 18 are currently under forced sexual exploitation. 99% of them are women and girls. 73% of all the victims are from Asia. Human trafficking is the main reason for this huge number. 74% of all victims of forced sexual exploitation live outside of their country of birth. The United Nations (UN) estimates that human trafficking generates USD 32 billion per year. 85% of this amount comes from human trafficking for sexual exploitation purposes.
Victims of trafficking in Nepal are often taken to India, the Middle East and other countries, mainly in Asia and are forced to become prostitutes, domestic servants, beggars and slaves working in factories, mines or circuses. However, it is for sexual exploitation that most victims are trafficked. An estimated 12,000 women and children are trafficked to India alone for this purpose each year.
The Nepalese are an attractive target in the market for prostitution because of the physical qualities they possess. The miscegenation of China and India resulted in physical characteristics that are seen as beautiful and exotic.
There is a widespread discrimination in India and Nepal against those of darker skin. Whitening products are openly advertised on TV, newspapers and magazines. Therefore, the lighter skin of Nepalese girls is very attractive to both traffickers and customers.