Judge Kunwar receives US anti-trafficking award

Kathmandu, June 22. Lalitpur District Court Judge Tek Narayan Kunwar has been awarded with the ‘2014 Hero Acting to End Modern Day Slavery Award’ in the United States of America.

US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday night conferred the award on Kunwar in Washington, DC, in recognition of his contribution for pioneering victim-centric approach in human trafficking cases.

Kunwar has been at the forefront of efforts in Nepal to counter trafficking in persons by fully implementing the Human Trafficking and Transportation Control Act (HTTCA) of 2007, while championing the rights of victims.

Each year, the US Department of State honors individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. These individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers and concerned citizens who are committed to ending modern day slavery.

They are recognised for their tireless efforts — despite resistance, opposition and threats to their lives — to protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness about ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad.

Kunwar is one among 10 persons to receive the award.