Navigator – Supporting Safe Migration and Antitrafficking Efforts in Myanmar and Nepal

Navigator – Supporting Safe Migration and Antitrafficking Efforts in Myanmar and Nepal

In Myanmar and Nepal, nearly 10% of the population works abroad. Many people are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse because they lack information about risks, resources, and the legal process. Survivors of trafficking struggle to access justice or compensation.

The Navigator project establishes networks of local support for migrants by training law enforcement officials and strengthening public information hubs like libraries. Migrants gain access to accurate information and community support before traveling and upon return. Navigator is made possible through a grant from the Walmart Foundation.

Ships in a harbor

In Myanmar and Nepal, nearly 10% of the population works abroad. Many people are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse because they lack information about risks, resources, and the legal process. Survivors of trafficking struggle to access justice or compensation.

The Navigator project establishes networks of local support for migrants by training law enforcement officials and strengthening public information hubs like libraries. Migrants gain access to accurate information and community support before traveling and upon return. Navigator is made possible through a grant from the Walmart Foundation.

Goals

  • Equip people to avoid the worst risks of migration by making accurate information available and accessible at the community level.
  • Build networks between the local institutions that support trafficking victims.
  • Prepare criminal justice system actors, such as police and prosecutors, to effectively serve victims of trafficking.

Quick Facts

  • Navigator partners with READ Global in Nepal and MBAPF in Myanmar.
  • In Myanmar, Navigator has begun work in Yangon, Bago, and Magway—three regions where migrants face the greatest risks of exploitation.
  • In Nepal, the program works in Kavrepalanchwok, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Bardiya, and Kailali.
  • In Myanmar, Navigator is partnering with the International Organization for Migration to develop the Miss Migration chatbot. The chatbot will provide accurate information to migrants and potential migrants via Facebook, which is the primary source of information for more than 40% of Myanmar’s people and is used regularly by more than 70%.

Project Activities

  • A needs assessment and gap analysis: Working with regional experts on trafficking in persons, IREX has developed a needs assessment and gap analysis framework to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in countries' efforts to combat trafficking. Using this framework, IREX conducted a base assessment of what is creating the gap between policy and laws, and between levels of protection and enforcement in Nepal and Myanmar.
  • A training and reporting stipend program for journalists: Media actors shape perceptions and guide the public conversation about human trafficking. To broaden the reach of education and awareness initiatives and ensure wider availability of accurate information, IREX is providing training to journalists on responsibly reporting about trafficking.
  • Connecting community resources and information: Navigator is equipping libraries and civil society organizations to offer accurate information about legal rights and safe migration, and referrals to appropriate support organizations.

Partners

Logos for the Walmart Foundation, MBAPF, and READ Global

Contact

Ari Katz, akatz@irex.org
Amber Ehrke, aehrke@irex.org