FNC Nepal

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BACK TO IDP HOMEPAGE ………………….. RAISING AWARENESS FOR KAMLARIS …………………… THE FUTURE OF RESCUED KAMLARIS

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The process of eliminating the Kamlari system is a multi-layered one, involving efforts to educate the girls’ families and general public, rescuing and then educating the rescued girls, and exerting public and (when necessary) legal pressure on the families and the employers through threatened or actual litigation. The IDP program is described below.

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1) A Kamlari is identified and located with support of her parents (and their promise to not re-contract their daughter)
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2) If the employer does not release her immediately, FNC sends warning letter to the employer advising them of the illegality of such employment
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3) A public hearing may be held to exert more pressure on the employers
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4) If necessary, we then file a formal complaint with the office of the Chief District Officer, or even file a formal case in the District Court. Due to litigation by FNC lawyers, the Kamlari system, which is clearly illegal under international law, has now also been declared illegal by Nepal’s Supreme Court.
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5) After the girls are returned home, those who are capable of studying in school right away are enrolled in schools near their homes. Those who need more preparation before entering regular schools are sent to a 3-month bridging course before being admitted to regular school. Currently, in Dang and Bardiya Districts, FNC’s IDP program is supporting almost 2,000 rescued Kamlaris in regular schools and about 300 girls in bridging programs.


In 2006, FNC launched a related program that was aimed at assisting the siblings, both sisters and brothers, of freed Kamalaris as well as the children of other poor Tharu families who live near the families of freed Kamalaris. We realized that such children are also at great risk, either of being sold as Kamlaris themselves, and or that their families lacked the resources to send them to school. FNC provides them with scholarships that cover their educational expenses. This program currently benefits about 200 children, including 43 boys.