Marking WDACL 2018 under the theme of ‘Generation Safe and Healthy’, the International Labor Organization (ILO) called on the world nations to ensure safety of young workers and end child labor by 2025.

“About 73 million children are in hazardous work – almost half of the 152 million children aged 5-17 still in child labor. Many suffer lifelong physical and psychological consequences. Their very lives can be at risk,” ILO said in an official release.

“Urgent action is needed to ensure no child under the age of 18 is in hazardous child labor,” says ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

According to ILO, many of those children under child labor are toiling in mines and fields, factories and homes, exposed to pesticides and other toxic substances, carrying heavy loads or working long hours.

Among the world countries witnessing the child labor menace, Nepal is one country that has some alarming scenario with regard to child in hazardous work.

A Glance at Child Labor in Nepal

Employment has been one major concern for Nepal which is even today impacting thousands of its populace to move abroad for employment and career opportunities.

While this is the case of those who can afford to live abroad, what about those struggling locally? Here is where the concern of child labor arise.

                                     (Source: US Department of Labor)

Many of the working men and women population of Nepal were observed to have engaged their children in some form of child labor to generate required incomes to run the family.

Some of the Nepali sectors known for their prevalence of child labor include agriculture, industry and services, among others.

• Agriculture: Farming, herding and feeding livestock
• Industry: Brick Kilns, quarrying and collecting sand & stones, carpet weaving, textile production
• Services: Domestic work such as transportation, portering and collecting recyclable waste, working in hotels, restaurants and teashops, among others
• There are also some worst forms of child labor like human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, among others.

According to the US Bureau of International Labor Affairs, around 37.2 percent of Nepali children in the age group of 5-14 years are engaged in child labor, while 39.1 percent (7-14 years) are engaged in both schooling & work, and 91.7 percent (5-14 years) are under schooling

This situation is being observed across the country despite the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations such as Minimum Age for Work, Prohibition of Forced Labor, Minimum Age for Hazardous Work and Prohibition of Forced Labor, among others in place as part of the country’s legal framework.

Matter of Serious Concern

According to ILO, there is almost no reduction in the number of children aged 5-11 in child labor and the number has in fact gone up.

“Although the overall number of children in hazardous work has decreased over the past years, progress has been limited to older children in hazardous work. Between 2012 and 2016, there was almost no reduction in the number of children aged 5 to 11 in child labor, and the number of these most vulnerable, youngest children in hazardous work actually increased. This is unacceptable,” reads ILO statement.

On the other hand, the United Nations reports that “the returns on the investment in ending child labor are incalculable.”

Plan of Action: 107^th International Labor Conference

Addressing the world nations at the 107^th Session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva on June 8, 2018, Ryder urged the world governments to prioritize special programs against child labor.

Pointing out at economic concerns as the root cause of child labor, he pitched on the need for an immediate attention to unpaid family work in agriculture along with the global supply chains.

In this regard, he also pledged ILO’s all-round support to all the governments in curbing the menace of child labor, globally.

The Geneva conference marked the 20^th anniversary of the #GlobalMarchAgainstChildLabor that first began in June 1998 when hundreds of marchers including children gathered at the stage of the International Labor Conference. This eventually resulted in the adoption of the ILO Convention No. 182 on ‘Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor’ in 1999.

According to ILO estimates, all forms of child labor will not be eradicated by 2025 and the world will still see 121 million children in forced labor situations despite all the planned measures

In this regard, the world labor body says, “We must move much faster if we are to honor our commitment to ending child labor in all its forms by 2025.”

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The May Day, also called International Workers’ Day, was put forth by the international labor movement, social activists and other stakeholders working for the wellness of working population, globally.

Like many other nations, Nepal has also been celebrating the Labor Day since 1963, however, listed the day under public holidays only since 2007.

Addressing Nepali nationals on the 129^th Labor Day, President Bidya Devi Bhandari lauded the global Nepali working community for their contribution towards the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic in Nepal.

She further added that the constitutional provision of making Nepal a socialism-oriented economy will benefit the Nepali working class.

The President also wished a conducive working environment, at home and abroad, for the global Nepali community by means of fair remuneration, effective human rights and overall social security.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Nepali Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Raj Bista promised massive and more decent employment opportunities for Nepalis at home.

While stating that the Nepali Constitution is committed to successful protection of the rights of Nepali migrant labor, Bista said the government would coordinate and take necessary measures to ensure a decent, systematic and safe foreign employment for Nepali migrants, while also putting an end to child labor and guaranteeing social security.

On the occasion of the 129^th Labor Day, let’s take a glance at some of the key happenings and announcements pertaining to Nepali workforce, locally and globally, in the recent times:

New Year Decision

Assuring a happy new year for Nepali working class, the Government of Nepal announced plans for the revision of minimum wage limit for Nepali labor, as per the Labor Act 2017, effective from the Nepali New Year 2075 day on April 14, 2018.

The government’s decision was in line with the Labor Act 2017 that proposes hike in minimum wage limit for every two years.

“As wage revision for workers is envisioned by the Labor Act, we are prioritizing effective implementation of the act as soon as possible by bringing a Labor Guideline. We will soon hold discussions with labor unions and employers on revising the minimum wage for workers,” Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MoLE) Laxman Mani Mainali had said in a statement.

Stating that the new Labor Act will benefit both the workers and employers, Bharat Raj Acharya, vice-chairman at the Employers’ Council of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry said, “A relevant revision on minimum wage for workers will be made after holding discussions with workers’ union and the government.”

The new Act, endorsed in the Nepali Parliament in August 2017, envisages a minimum wage of Rs 9,700 per month to workers. While ensuring uniformity in wages for jobs of similar nature and social security, the new law also mandates employers to provide insurance facility to the employees.

Status Report on Migrant Workers’ Contribution and Concerns

• Contribution to Nation’s GDP

Nepal ranks fourth in terms of remittance contribution to nation’s GDP, said the ‘Labor Migration for Employment – A Status Report for Nepal: 2015/16 – 2016/17’ by the Nepali Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.

The report, also supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Migration Agency, International Labor Organization (ILO) and The Asia Foundation, placed Nepal in the top fourth position globally among the list of countries with large remittance contribution to GDP.

According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, the country received Rs 699 billion in remittances in the Fiscal Year 2016-17 with Rs 471 billion in the first eight months of the year (by mid-March).

The Department of Foreign Employment data shows a total of 246,324 fresh departures and an additional 172,424 Nepalis reentries to the destination countries during the same eight-month period.

• Concerns To be Addressed

The report also highlighted key concerns pertaining to recruitment and malpractices concerning the Nepali migrant labor.

As per the report, a total of 7,500 complaints involving high-level frauds and malpractices have been registered by the Nepali migrant labor community as part of their recruitment and employment abroad in the last three years period.

The report also released some alarming stats about the death of Nepali labor migrants in foreign destinations. The report recorded deaths of around 5, 892 Nepali migrant workers, 5,765 males and 127 females, in the last nine years in at least 28 foreign destinations.

Malaysia with 2,154 deaths topped the list, followed by Saudi Arabia (1,638), Qatar (1,203), the United Arab Emirates (427) and Kuwait (186), with significant deaths also recorded in other most-sought destinations such as Bahrain (77), Republic of Korea (77), Oman (47), Lebanon (20), and Afghanistan (19).

“To understand further, the causes of the migrant worker’s death, an in-depth investigation of the autopsies and medical records in the destination countries would require,” the report noted.

• Need of the Hour

“Sound data and accurate analysis are essential to formulate evidence-based policies and implement them effectively in Nepal, a country where over half of all households have at least one family member currently living abroad or living at home as a returnee,” says Paul Norton, Chief of Mission, IOM Nepal.

“This report is an important step for the government agencies and other stakeholders to work towards effective regulatory mechanisms to protect and promote migrants’ rights and well-being,” he added.

Stating that the report shed light on key areas for reforms in the foreign employment sector, Minister Bista said, “the Ministry will be working to make the foreign employment sector more transparent and result oriented, so the migrant workers feel the positive change in the sector immediately.”

On an End Note!

Marking the occasion of May Day on May 01, 2018, the Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli said the government is committed to protection and development of the Nepali working class who have been contributing to the country’s overall progress.

In an announcement, the Prime Minister also announced governmental preparations for minimal wage hike to guarantee systematic work under an appropriate wage system. 

Raising concern over large number of Nepali youth leaving to foreign destinations for career and employment, the Prime Minister informed that the government was working towards creating a labor-friendly environment in the country for utilizing the young human resources for overall development of the nation.

The government remains committed to the fundamental principles and treaties laid by the International Labor Organization.

Also Read: Nepal Employment Status

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Undoubtedly, every tourist falls in love with Nepal tourism because of these exciting characteristics among which, trekking is one that the world travelers always keeping exploring for.

There are many enthusing trekking spots in Nepal such as Annapurna Circuit, Mount Everest Base Camp, among others. And, there is one more that contributes to the buzz word ‘Trekking Nepal‘.

Less heard of, but trek-worthy. It’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) Trail!

Touching Indigenous Communities

IP Trail gives you a different experience introducing to you the indigenous communities in the remote areas of Ramechhap District, Nepal and their unique culture.

A 7-8-day trek through this culturally-diverse tourism spot takes you through tiny villages, traditional local communities, amazing foods cooked on fire and a mind-blowing scenery.

The Trail gives you an unseen experience about the culture and lifestyle of around 21 different indigenous ethnic communities of Nepal such as Sherpa, Newar, Yolmo, Thami, Majhi and Tamang, among others, and ages-old religious structures belonging to the country’s predominant religions Hinduism and Buddhism.

Stays during this trip are something special! Bringing you close to nature, the stay homes here reflect simple, traditional village atmosphere, in contrast to those in regular commercial tourism centers.

Hospitality is one interesting thing as a positive note on this trail. Host families at the stay homes provide you fully- hygienic food and give you a homely feeling.

Enjoyment has no limits here! Dressed in colorful traditional attire, the locales take you through the interesting traditional folk music and dance performances by both men and women.

IP Trail Circuit: Kathmandu>Mudhe> Deurali > Dhunge> Kholakharka> Rahjbir Monastery> Surkey> Deurali> Doramba> Galpa> Khandadevi> Galpa> Dongme> Lubughat> Nepalthok> Kathmandu

In short, though the trek journey of IP Trail actually begins at Dhunge, one has start it from Mudhe as there is no direct transport to Dhunge. One needs to cover an approximate 91-km trek and 200-km journey to entirely complete the IP Trail Circuit.

Authentic and enriched culture is the unique feature of this amazing trip!

Iconic Geography

Indigenous Peoples Trail in Nepal is a trekking spot that exists as low as 3000 metres and lies in the Mahabharata range, 100 km east of Kathmandu.

Surrounded by Thulo Sailung in the North, the golden Sun Koshi River in the South and the Tama Koshi peak in the East, the trail presents to you a breath-taking Himalayan view from Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in the West to Numbur Chuli and the world’s third highest peak Kangchenjunga in the East.

Though possible through-out the year, one can have a pleasant experience with a travel in October-December season.

The trail was actually created in 2011 and was developed jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations as part of efforts to promote domestic tourism in Ramechhap District.

It is also the result of the efforts by Ramechhap Local Economic Development (LED) Forum and UN’s International Labor Organization (ILO) to promote untouched non-commercial trekking spots outside the well-established regions and enhance access to them while also supporting the deprived communities living in such regions.

However, the trek witnessed a major blow through the April 2015 earthquake which created a devastating impact on the District’s local stay homes and community halls which once served as major tourist destinations, thus finally impacting the potential of IP Trail.

Now that Nepal is fast growing in terms of development with with a major focus on tourism, the IP Trail will hopefully see its full potential in the years ahead.

All the best the Indigenous Peoples Trail, a trekking journey that’s a combination of culture and diversity.

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Towards this end, the government has already approved the brand logo prepared by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB) and the Himalayan Orthodox Tea Producers Association (HOTPA).

This logo ensures that Nepali tea has met the international manufacturing standards.

Prior to global marketing, the logo will first be used in tea packets after its official launch in the Mt Everest region in April 2018.

“It is difficult to meet all the international standards in tea production, but we have to accept this challenge. This is the only way to make Nepali tea competitive in the international market,” says HOTPA CEO Chandra Bhushan Subba.

Any tea producers will have to meet the international labor standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) to promote their product in the international market.

With this rule in place, NTCDB and HOTPA have already begun conducting awareness programs among farmers and other stakeholders of Paanchthar, Dhankuta and Ilam for the successful marketing of Nepali tea in the international market.

The brand logo is expected to address the concerns of exporters who have been facing legal issues pertaining to export of their product in the international markets.

To Address Challenges

Nepal orthodox tea is old and known for its taste, however, has been facing trade and marketing challenges.

Out of 5.5 million kg of orthodox tea produced annually in Nepal, 10 percent is consumed in the domestic market and 10 percent is exported to third countries. 

The remaining 80 percent is sold in the Indian market, where Nepali tea is marketed as Indian produce and again resold to foreign markets.

“We are compelled to rely on intermediaries although our products are of high quality. As a result, we have not been able to get good returns,” says Gayatri Basnet, a Sakhejung-based entrepreneur.

 “This is the reason why we need a logo to brand our products overseas. It is not mandatory for tea producers to get the logo. But if they want to get good returns, this is one of the options,” says Subba.

Out of the total 24 million kg of tea produced annually in Nepal across 28,000 hectares, around 5.5 million kg is orthodox. Orthodox tea gardens in Nepal are across 16,000 hectares and are owned by around 30,000 small farmers.

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As a measure towards strengthening the rights and welfare of expatriates, Qatar on November 16, 2017 announced QAR 750 as a basic wage limit for all the expatriates working in the kingdom.

Surprisingly, the new basic is QAR 150 less than the minimum wage limit of QAR 900 set by the Nepali Government in 2013 for Nepalis working in Gulf countries.

On January 21, 2013, Nepal announced a provision suggesting QAR 900 as a minimum wage for its unskilled labor working in Qatar, along with QAR 1,100 and QAR 1,500 for semi-skilled and skilled labor, respectively.

The provision also requires the employers to ensure free board allowance up to QAR 300 per worker along with QAR 4,700 as food allowance for professionals.

A Bitter Response

While the international bodies like the International Labor Organization appreciate the move, the decision is sounding bitter for Nepal and a few human rights activists.

“Let’s not forget that this is an 18 percent reduction in wages from the current minimum wage set by the Nepali Government for Nepali workers going to Qatar,” tweeted Catherine Chen, a human rights activist working for a US-based charity called Humanity United, in response to the announcement by the Qatari Labor Ministry.

Kumud Khanal, former Vice-President of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Association (NAFEA) says, “Nepal should endorse QAR 750 or stop sending workers until Qatar agrees to abide by its minimum wage standard. The different policies of the labor-receiving and labor-sending nations will only complicate matters.”

According to Khanal, two such different rules would increase the use of fake work contracts.

Ganesh Gurung, a migration expert, also feels that the decisions like this would hamper the workers’ overall demand.

Nepali Government officials informed that they would discuss the issue with the Qatari higher officials maintaining Nepal’s firm stand.

Workers Worry

Following the announcement, the Nepali labor community in Qatar is worried that the new rule might impact their basic rights causing abuse and exploitation concerns.

“There is a danger that QAR 750 will be the new normal and even companies which were paying 900 riyals will now refuse to pay more than the new minimum,” says Krishna Pun, a security guard in Qatar.

Pun, who is currently drawing around QAR 1,800, fears that his company would cut his pay. Many other workers feel the same, he adds. 

Future Impact

While Nepal has similar wage limits for countries such as Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, Qatar is one of the key destinations hosting around 400,000 Nepali migrant labor.

However, the new wage limit will most likely add to the financial burden of the Nepali workers in Qatar, thus creating a concern for Nepalis’ immigration to Qatar.

Many Nepali workers pay high service charges to recruitment agents and the situation is almost similar in case of workers from India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

According to Amnesty International, workers pay as much as 60 percent interest on the loans they take from local moneylenders for foreign employment.

Even though countries such as Israel, South Korea and Malaysia have their own minimum wage limits, the basic wages in Qatar is less compared to other foreign destinations such as Bahrain, Malaysia, Kuwait and Oman.

This situation in Qatar exists despite the high demand for work that unskilled workers do there.

Its noteworthy that Qatar is hosting the 2022 football World Cup with most of the labor it has for construction activity are from Nepal and Bangladesh.

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Towards this end, Secretary at the Nepali Ministry of Labour and Employment Laxman Prasad Mainali requested ILO Director General (DG) Ryder to plan for green-jobs creation and skill development programs in Nepal.

Mainali made this proposal as part of his participation at the 331^st governing board meeting of ILO held in Geneva, in the first week of November 2017.

While informing that the Nepali youth migrating for foreign employment are in need of skill development programs, Mainali also urged the ILO Director to ensure safety of Nepali migrant labor working at foreign destinations.

“Nepal needs support to create jobs in the country for the youths to prevent them from going abroad and also to provide them opportunities when they return home after completing their contract,” said Mainali.

Meanwhile, Binda Pandey, a Deputy Member of the governing board of ILO and a representative of the Nepali team at the meeting, highlighted concerns of Nepali labor migrants with regard to work conditions and migration.

In this regard, Pandey requested ILO’s technical support to Nepal towards implementation of the social measures related to the new Labor Act such as labor inspection and capacity building.

On the occasion, Pandey proposed the extension of the Decent Work Country Program in Nepal for another five years.

In response, Ryder assured all the needed support from ILO with regard to job creation and addressing the concerns of labor migration, while urging on the need for safe and secure ways of managing migration.

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