Empowering freed victims of forced labour in Nepal: Visit to Karnali Province shows life-changing impact of BRIDGE Project

KATHMANDU, Nepal (ILO News) – In a significant step towards addressing forced labour in Nepal’s marginalized communities, Numan Özcan, the Country Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Nepal, visited the intervention areas of the From Protocol to Practice: A Bridge to Global Action on Forced Labour (BRIDGE) Project-Phase II funded by USDOL. His visit focused on engaging with former bonded labourers and assessing the life-changing impact of livelihood programmes designed to support their transition to freedom and self-reliance.

The BRIDGE project is a cornerstone initiative that strengthens global and national capacity to eliminate forced labour, particularly in Nepal, where traditional and evolving forms of bonded labour continue to persist. Despite legislative abolition for communities such as the Kamaiya, Haliya, Kamlari, and Harawa-Charawa, many survivors still grapple with a lack of housing, land, and stable employment.

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© ILO

“Forced labour is a deeply entrenched issue that deprives people of their dignity and basic rights. Through the BRIDGE project, we are committed to not only addressing the root causes of forced labour but also empowering victims with sustainable livelihood opportunities,” said Numan Özcan, ILO Country Director for Nepal.

During his visit to New Ghusra in Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet District, Özcan met with beneficiaries of the project’s livelihood programmes, particularly freed-Haliyas (former bonded labourers). He witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of skills training across 22 trade sectors, including off-season vegetable farming, which has opened pathways to sustainable income for participants. These initiatives have positively impacted 1,115 freed Haliyas and Harawa-Charawas across districts in Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces.

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© ILO

Participants shared their inspiring stories of resilience, detailing how the training has improved their income, empowered their communities, and strengthened coordination with local governments. The importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders to create lasting change for these vulnerable groups was also emphasised.

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© ILO

Phase II of the BRIDGE Project continues to build on these successes, aiming to further enhance awareness, advocacy, and capacity-building measures while delivering tailored support to survivors of forced labour. By focusing on long-term resilience and empowerment, the project reinforces the ILO’s unwavering commitment to eradicating forced labour and ensuring a future of dignity for all.

For more information, please contact:
Ram Bahadur Charmakar
National Project Coordinator
ILO Country Office for Nepal
E: [email protected]

Visit the ILO Nepal Website to learn more about our efforts to eliminate forced labour.