Heartfelt Tribute to Sunita Danuwar, Founder President of Sunita Foundation and Tireless Advocate Against Human Trafficking
The untimely demise of Sunita Danuwar, Founder President and Managing Director of Sunita Foundation, and a powerful voice against human trafficking, has left an irreplaceable void in Nepal’s human rights movement. Her sudden passing due to cardiac arrest has been mourned by the Government of Nepal, civil society leaders, human rights activists, advocates against human trafficking, women’s rights activists, journalists, and individuals from all walks of life.
Sunita Danuwar suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while resting and was rushed to Nepal Medical Hospital in Jorpati. Tragically, she passed away at the young age of 47. Following the hospital’s announcement, her final rites were conducted at Pashupati Aryaghat.
During a condolence ceremony held at Aryaghat, prominent figures including civic movement leader Gauri Pradhan, senior journalist Tank Pant, NGO Federation President Ram Prasad Subedi, Vice-Chairperson of the National Child Rights Council Bam Bahadur Baniya, women’s leader Dr. Binda Pandey, Member of Parliament Laxmi Tiwari, President of Sunita Foundation Tara Devi Khanal, representatives from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, and the National Human Rights Commission paid tribute to her remarkable contributions. The event witnessed the participation of human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, representatives from various organizations, and her grieving family.
Sunita Danuwar, who passed away on the morning of December 23, 2024 (Poush 8, 2081 BS), was a founding member of Shakti Samuha, a former chairperson of AATWIN and Shakti Samuha, and an active member of the anti-human trafficking network within the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens. Internationally recognized with accolades such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award, C10, and the TIP Hero Award, her loss marks a profound setback in the fight against human trafficking and the broader field of human rights.
An accomplished author, Sunita Danuwar’s works include titles such as Aasu ko Shakti and Empowered Voices. Sunita Foundation, under her leadership, played a pivotal role in addressing the plight of trafficking survivors. Her passing leaves the foundation feeling orphaned, but her legacy and vision will continue to guide its mission.
In this time of sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Sunita Foundation family also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, human rights activists, journalists, social advocates, parliamentarians, government officials, donors, and family members who honored her memory at the hospital and Aryaghat.
Sunita Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advancing the anti-human trafficking movement she passionately led for 28 years. As a mark of respect, all offices of Sunita Foundation will remain closed on Wednesday.
Tara Devi Khanal
President, Sunita Foundation
And Sunita Foundation Family