“As a survivor of trafficking, I know how evil and damaging the practice is, and what consequences it has not just for those trafficked but whole communities.” – Sunita
Sunita Danuwar was a trailblazing advocate for trafficking survivors and a powerful voice for justice. A trafficking survivor herself, she established Shakti Samuha in 1996, one of the first survivor-led organisations in the world, offering shelter, legal aid, counselling, and training to returnee trafficking survivors in Nepal.
Building on her work with Shakti Samuha, Sunita went on to establish the Sunita Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment to prevent human trafficking.
Her extraordinary dedication to justice and empowerment earned her global recognition, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2013. Sunita also shared her story and vision through her book Aansuko Shakti.
The entire ECPAT Secretariat team wishes to express our heartfelt condolences to Sunita’s family and friends and to all the colleagues at Shakti Samuha. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us in our shared mission to protect and empower survivors worldwide.