The report Prevalence of minors in Kathmandu’s adult entertainment sector was commissioned by the Freedom Fund to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to highlight the growing problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Nepal. The study utilised a combination of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and mark-recapture methods to estimate the population of minors working in the adult entertainment sector (AES). A sample of 600 workers aged 21 and under was surveyed, alongside 50 in-depth qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into their experiences.
The research estimates approximately 1,650 minors currently working in the AES, with 17% of workers being minors. These young workers face severe exploitation, including forced sexual acts and violence, with 99% of those aged 17 and under experiencing the worst forms of child labour. Recommendations include ratifying the UNTIP Protocol, increasing law enforcement inspections of AES venues, and establishing peer networks among workers to promote awareness of their rights. The study emphasises the need for further research on the extent of CSEC beyond the AES and viable alternative livelihoods for affected youth.
Click here or on the image below to access the report. You can also access the peer-reviewed academic paper here.
