Program launched to eliminate labour exploitation

KATHMANDU, April 20: Although brick kilns across the country provide jobs to thousands, the industry has been most often criticized for exploiting its labor force. With an aim to prevent labor exploitation, Brick Clean Group has launched “Better Brick Nepal (BBN)” program to uplift working standards of its labor force.

The project is dedicated to eradicate forced, bonded and child labor and uplift their living conditions, informed Homraj Acharya, country director of Global Fairness Initiative, the program's sponsor.


“Just because the child is poor, he isn't entitled to child labor,” he said, speaking at a roundtable discussions held in the capital on Wednesday. “Hence, the issues of forced, bonded, and child labor should be eradicated from the brick kiln industry. That would be the aim of our program.”

A total of 20 kilns have joined the BBN program this year, promising not to indulge in forced, bonded, or child labor.

The BBN program has started early childcare and education centers that provide education to children of the laborers. Such centers are opened near every kiln joining the program.

“Independent auditing is performed every year to ensure that kilns are meeting the standards,” added Acharya.

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