OneWorld.net (U.S.)

The United Nations is concerned about the increasing number of disappearances in Nepal. Both the Maoist rebels and government forces are held responsible for the increase.

There are no exact figures, but the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal says several hundred people have disappeared. The rebels have reportedly abducted more than 200 people in the past few days alone.

The United Nations has asked the Nepali government to introduce a national registry of prisoners to obtain a clear picture of the number of people involved. However, Nepal has so far failed to do so.

More than 12,000 people have been killed since the Maoist rebels began their struggle to turn Nepal into a Communist republic.

In another report, the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) reports that an estimated 2.4 million women and children are trafficked every year. The women and children are forced into prostitution, mining or plantation work.

The report was presented at an international forum on people trafficking held in the Chinese capital Beijing. UNICEF is attempting to reach agreements with governments on more effective measures against people trafficking and for the return of trafficked children to their families.

Radio Netherlands Wereldomroep