South-South Cooperation to Protect Asian Migrant Workers

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Civil society organizations in developing countries have expertise and access that is often not present in U.S. or international NGOs. They are often well situated to act as mentors to organizations in other developing countries, comparing strategic responses that address similar challenges and opportunities. DRL requests proposals for an innovative program to promote the labor rights of workers in major transnational labor migration corridors, namely for workers migrating from South Asia and/or East Asia and Pacific regions to destination countries with significant populations of foreign workers. The proposal should have a particular emphasis on promoting freedom of association, through advocacy efforts and technical assistance, and should focus the scope of activities on 1) South-South cooperation around a particular sector or country and 2) building or expanding upon South-South capacity for knowledge-sharing among labor and civil society organi zations in origin and destination countries. Additionally, applications should focus on building the capacity of migrant workers to organize and advocate for their labor rights within the legal systems of receiving countries, and should not focus solely on protection mechanisms. Competitive applications will demonstrate a sound plan for gaining buy-in and engaging with local labor and civil society organizations and government stakeholders in both countries, and a proven ability to facilitate and sustain substantive South-South networking. Applicants currently engaged in South-South cooperation programs that focus on labor migration should explain how additional funding will complement or expand ongoing activities. International NGOs or regional networks may also apply, but must demonstrate partnerships with at least two local south-south partners. DRL will not select proposals centered on one-time conferences, academic research, or a series of meetings. Pending avail ability of funding and evaluation of programmatic progress, DRL may expand and extend this project to include additional activities in a later phase.

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