. And sex exploitation goes on... POST REPORT KATHMANDU, April 28 - The government has failed to regulate dance and cabin restaurants despite reports about serious cases of sexual and physical exploitation of girls and women, including minors, working in such places in the Kathmandu Valley, a report said. A survey conducted by Rahat, an organization working for girls and women, especially those displaced by the conflict, revealed that although hired to work as waitress, these girls and women are also forced into the flesh trade. "The government, however, has shown no concern about it," Madhavi Singh, president of Rahat said. She said that girls and women are compelled to follow their employers' orders. "In case they refuse to comply, they are sacked," she said, adding, "most of them are displaced by the conflict and are, therefore, compelled to do what their employers want. They lack education and skill also." Sharing the findings of the survey: "Situation overview on entertainment sectors" in the capital Thursday, she said that most of the mushrooming dance and cabin restaurants are not registered. "Those restaurants registered are also not operating as per the norms outlined in the Labor Act," she said. She stressed that an effective strategy should be developed soon to eliminate such practices in these restaurants. Although the government had formed a 13-member dance and cabin restaurant monitoring committee headed by chief of domestic and small industries, Dhurba Raj Joshi in August 2003, it has not functioned effectively as yet. Baman Prasad Neupane, Chief District Officer, Kathmandu had also expressed commitment to introduce a code of conduct with a view to monitor cabin, ghazal, dohari and dance restaurants in the country. The report shows the situation has not improved. Ironically, the ministry working for women and children also has not formulated any policies and programs to tackle the issue of dance and cabin restaurants. "We don't have any specific programs and policies to deal with the exploitation of girls and women working in such restaurants in the country," said Shyam Sundar Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Welfare. Senior Superintendent of Police, Devi Lal Tamang, also expresses ignorance about any specific policies to address the problem. "The victims should first report to us. Only then can we take action," he said. However, several reports conducted till date state that girls and women cannot approach the concerned authorities with such complaints. "Victims don't report to the police for fear of losing their jobs," the report said. Dr Chandra Bhadra, women rights activist said, "Only the legalization of flesh trade can put an end to such forced sexual exploitation of girls and women." - http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=38532