LALITPUR:  ICCO Cooperation launched 'Project REAL - Right to earn a living' on 26th February, 2018. Project REAL will work in far and mid-western Nepal to make the economic and social rights of marginalized groups vocal.

The project funded by European Union was awarded under the 'EIDHR- Country Based Support Scheme to Nepal for 2016 and 2017' by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, to support projects in the area of human rights, fundamental freedom and democracy in non- European Countries.

This joint venture envisioned by ICCO Cooperation, Yes Nepal (YN) and Sahakarmi Samaj (SS) has an estimated budget of Euro 408,000 (42 months) and places equal importance in the inclusion of marginalized groups and disables by integrating them into the community and promoting them as champions for the socio- economic change.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the project understands that development is the only way towards reducing inequalities and achieving the necessary amount of economic growth.

The primary beneficiaries of the project - Chidimar, Kushbadia, Maganta , badi, Tharu Kumals and Kamlaris Communities dwelling in Kailali, Banke and Dang districts will help their economic rights to be exercised in a socially just environment, said the statement.

It is further said that the Project REAL would adopt a dual approach inspired by ICCO- Cooperation's twin-core principles with an objective of securing sustainable livelihoods, justice and dignity for all as well as providing livelihoods skills, improved access to finance and productive assets for the generation of income and sustainable livelihoods.

It would also work to strengthen local governance by ensuring the existing provisions on socio-economic rights of marginalized communities. In this regard the project will gain support from Community based organisations (CBO) and it's respective networks, which was previously institutionalized by ICCO, YN and SS's last program.

As per the statement, Ambassador Veronica Cody, Head of the EU Delegation to Nepal, officially launched the project at this event.

The project was launched in Lalitpur in presence of all the beneficiaries, civil society members, government and partner oragnisations.