GoodWeave Teams up with UNICEF and TEPC to Boost Child-Labour-Free Rug Sector in Nepal

March 14, 2017

GoodWeave and UNICEF in Nepal in association with Trade and Export Promotion Centre of the Government of Nepal (TEPC) are launching a high profile, joint initiative to secure government incentives to advance the child-labour-free rug sector in Nepal. You are invited to attend the launch reception for this year long effort, which will take place Saturday January 14th at 6pm at Domotex 2017, the global floor exhibition held in Hannover, Germany.

GoodWeave and UNICEF in Nepal in association with Trade and Export Promotion Centre of the Government of Nepal (TEPC) are launching a high profile, joint initiative to secure government incentives to advance the child-labour-free rug sector in Nepal. You are invited to attend the launch reception for this year long effort, which will take place Saturday January 14th at 6pm at Domotex 2017, the global floor exhibition held in Hannover, Germany.

During the 22 years or more of GoodWeave’s existence, the NGO has forged invaluable working relations with numerous bodies involved in the rug industry. The focus is on eradicating child labour from the rug industry AND that of bonded and slave labour amongst adults. GoodWeave is widely respected for its hands-on work, delivering programmes and schemes which are targeted and effective.

Rug production is one of a few major industries in Nepal ©Scott Welker

Rug production is one of a few major industries in Nepal ©Scott Welker, Nepal

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) works in 190 countries defending the rights of every child, including those trapped in cycles of poverty and violence, and is active in Nepal. TEPC promotes alliances between government and business to support Nepal’s crucial carpet industries, including the carpet industry The joint initiative between GoodWeave, UNICEF and TEPC sets out to secure much-needed incentives to boost Nepal’s rug production whilst protecting the country’s children.

Since the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, GoodWeave has seen a sharp rise in child labour on the looms. This has been largely due to trained, adult labour being in short supply as many fled the Kathmandu Valley after the earthquakes to return to their villages to help rebuild family homes and support their families. Making rugs is one of Nepal’s few major industries – reviving it is key to helping the people of Nepal recover from the earthquakes and protect its children.

The DOMOTEX 2017 mega trade opens 14th January, in Hannover, Germany.