Kathmandu – With migration continuing to shape the lives of thousands of Nepali, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nepal, in collaboration with the National Network on Safe Migration (NNSM), conducted a three-day comprehensive capacity-building training from 2 to 4 April to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working to support migrant workers across the country. 

Designed to empower CSOs with critical knowledge, tools and strategies, this training brought together CSO representatives from across Nepal. As frontline responders, CSOs play a pivotal role in identifying migrant needs, advocating for ethical recruitment practices, and ensuring access to justice. Their grassroots presence allows them to bridge the gap between vulnerable communities and national policy frameworks.  

The training was held as part of the Migration, Business, and Human Rights in Asia (MBHR Asia) programme, funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden. This regional initiative promotes corporate responsibility and the protection of migrant workers' rights within global supply chains, in alignment with Nepal’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2024–2028). 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Helene Fors, IOM Nepal’s Chief of Mission, highlighted the crucial role of CSOs in connecting migrant workers with support services. “Empowering CSOs is vital to ensuring that migrant workers receive the protection and assistance they deserve,” she stated. 

The training featured interactive discussions and expert-led sessions facilitated by key stakeholders from relevant government institutions. These include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additional contributions came from the District Government Attorney Office, the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau, the Department of Foreign Employment, and the Foreign Employment Board. These sessions enhanced participants’ understanding of migration trends, vulnerabilities of migrant workers, and the complex intersection of labour migration, trafficking, and exploitation.  

Chiranjivi Baral, Chairperson of the National Network for Safe Migration (NNSM), expressed sincere gratitude to IOM Nepal for organizing the event. He highlighted that such collaborative efforts strengthen CSOs’ capacity to influence migration policy and improve on-the-ground support for migrant workers. 

Prakriti Khanal from the Law, Empowerment and Development Society Nepal remarked, “This training provided us with the legal tools and policies that can truly make a difference. We are now better equipped to support migrant workers and advocate for stronger protections.” 

The training concluded with a collective commitment from CSOs to implement their learnings in their respective communities, advocating for safer migration pathways and stronger protection mechanisms for migrant workers. 

This initiative reaffirms IOM’s commitment to ethical recruitment, corporate accountability, and upholding the dignity of every migrant worker.  

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For more information, please contact: 

Purnima Limbu, National Project Officer at IOM Nepal, plpalunga@iom.int 

Dipti Shah, Communications Focal Point at IOM Nepal, dshah@iom.int