Hamro Samman Activity Launches Two New Initiatives to Promote Greater Private Sector Engagement in Combating Human Trafficking in Nepal

KATHMANDU, NEPAL – July 30, 2019 – Today, at a program to mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) supported Hamro Samman Activity, which is implemented by Winrock International, launched two initiatives: the Hamro Samman Innovation Challenge and the Responsible Business Alliance Nepal. The two flagship initiatives will foster innovation and greater private sector engagement to combat human trafficking in Nepal.

The $150,000 Hamro Samman Innovation Challenge is designed to crowd-source innovative technology-based solutions to bolster counter human trafficking efforts by: 1) improving access to quality training and employment for trafficking survivors and vulnerable Nepalis; 2) establishing mechanisms that encourage businesses such as recruitment companies to be more accountable and transparent; and 3) educating populations at-risk of being trafficked and others to prevent human trafficking incidents. The challenge is open to all Information Communications Technology-savvy businesses and organizations, especially start-ups and small and medium enterprises. Details about the challenge and application process can be accessed from: https://winrock.org/requests-for-applications-hamro-samman-innovation-challenge-to-generate-technology-to-reduce-risks-of-human-trafficking/

The Responsible Business Alliance Nepal brings together Nepali businesses representing different sectors, Hamro Samman, and the National Business Initiative with the goal of reducing human trafficking. The alliance will collectively institutionalize business practices and activities that will prevent Nepalis from being exploited and/or trafficked. For more information on the Alliance, please visit: https://nbinepal.org.np/rbanepal/

At the event, USAID’s Acting Mission Director Adriana Hayes noted, “The Responsible Business Alliance champions the cause of countering human trafficking and empowers vulnerable Nepali youth through improved services and responsible business practices.  Today, we are proud to inaugurate this important alliance.”

The U.K. Ambassador to Nepal, Richard Morris, remarked, “Human trafficking is cruel and abusive; tackling it requires inventive partnerships from across society. I am delighted to co-launch the Innovation Challenge as a new way to help Nepali people stay safe.”

Hamro Samman Chief of Party, Carolyn Tanner, noted “Strong partnerships between the government, civil society and the private sector are the foundation of an effective response to counter human trafficking. These new initiatives will bring new partners and new ideas to the table, promoting strategic solutions to drive systemic change.”

Hamro Samman is jointly funded by USAID and DFID to address human trafficking, specifically in the foreign labor migration process and entertainment sectors. The project aims to strengthen the Government of Nepal’s system to tackle human trafficking and build synergies among the government, civil society and the private sector to strengthen laws to prosecute traffickers and better support survivors under Nepal’s federal structure. The activity will run until 2022.

For further information contact Carolyn Tanner, Chief of Party, Hamro Samman Activity at Carolyn.Tanner@winrock.org or 9801059349.