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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Country Map

IPEC – International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization IPEC Background Carpet industry began in 1960s : 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor US Department of Labor International Labor Organization 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 Labor Organization IPEC