NEPAL: Rugmark

International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International Labor Organization

IPEC

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Background

Carpet industry began in 1960s

1994-95: demand slumps due to use of child labor

Nepal Rugmark Foundation established in 1995

Two dimensional collaboration

Independent inspection & monitoring program

Labeling of individual carpets

Rehabilitation of children

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Objectives

Create child labor free environment in carpet industry with meaningful rehabilitation

Work for socially & environmentally acceptable business practices including minimum wages

No Timeframe

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Nepal Rugmark Foundation

Began marketing Rugmark in November 1996

Children rescued from licensee factories

Transfered to Rugmark rehabilitation centers

1998: two centers provided with private schools

Two centers for newly-rescued children & NFE

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Rugmark approach:

Non-imposing

Licensing & certification voluntary

Inspections & rescues consultative & friendly

Database in place for verification & reporting

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Process

Community based rehabilitation program:

Launched April 1999

Includes feasibility studies

NRF signs agreement with parents to support education

NRF personnel visit families after reunion

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

License agreements:

End March 2000, 104 exporters & manufacturers

Only one agreement revoked

362 factories involved, 50% of total

8 to 10% total carpet exports are Rugmark labelled

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Problems & achievements

Since 1997, NRF has:

Rescued 153 child workers

153 reunited with family

203 in four NRF centers

29 enrolled & vocational training

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Rugmark:

Proven to be pragmatic & self-sustainable

Instrumental in overall socio-economic development

Prerequisites:

Product must be export item

Society must be democratic

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Key success factors:

Capable & credible implementing organization

Supportive government

Financial support by international organizations

Awareness by employers

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child LaborUS Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC

Lessons learned

Future challenges:

Expanded license coverage

Minimum wage

Less competing initiatives

Financial self-sustainability

Increase in level of certification

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor

US Department of Labor

International LaborOrganization

IPEC