NEPAL: Rugmark

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NEPAL Rugmark
International Labor Organization
IPEC
International Program on the Elimination of Child
Labor
US Department of Labor
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Country Map
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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

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Objectives

• Create child labor free environment in carpet
  industry with meaningful rehabilitation
• Work for socially environmentally acceptable
  business practices including minimum wages
• No Timeframe

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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

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Process

• Rugmark approach
• Non-imposing
• Licensing certification voluntary
• Inspections rescues consultative friendly
• Database in place for verification reporting

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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

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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

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Problems achievements

• Since 1997, NRF has
• Rescued 153 child workers
• 153 reunited with family
• 203 in four NRF centers
• 29 enrolled vocational training

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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

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Lessons learned

• Key success factors
• Capable credible implementing organization
• Supportive government
• Financial support by international organizations
• Awareness by employers

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Lessons learned

• Future challenges
• Expanded license coverage
• Minimum wage
• Less competing initiatives
• Financial self-sustainability
• Increase in level of certification

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IPEC International Program on the Elimination
of Child Labor