NGO News Report :: A new office space was opened by the National Skills Development Council (NSDC) secretariat, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), on the 7th of November 2013 to launch the operation of the “Coordination Unit for Rehabilitation of Rana Plaza Victims” at the Center for Disability in Development (CDD), Ulail Bus stand, Savar.
The key objectives of the coordination unit is to collect and analyse information from all stakeholders to report the needs, services provided and current status of all victims. The unit will also act as a point of contact for the Rana Plaza building collapse victims to receive information on their rights, and services available.
The unit consists of a coordinator, data analyst, social worker and liaison officer.
At an information sharing session on the 14th of September 2013, NSDC secretariat members along with stakeholders in Bangladesh’s garment industry developed strategies to strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration of garment factory workers and their families affected by the Rana Plaza building collapse. This coordination cell establishment in the Savar area is a step towards the more vigorous implementation of the action plan strategies.
Under the leadership of NSDC secretariat a coordination committee was formed comprising representatives[1] from international organizations, NGOs, trade unions and industry associations. This coordination committee meets on a regular interval to follow up progress on the on-going activities. To take this initiative forward NSDCSecretariat is now coordinating the activities proposed in the action plan through the establishment of thisunit.
Magnus Schmid, Program Coordinator of PSES, GIZ commented, “The Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards (PSES), a joint project of the governments of Bangladesh and Germany, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, have been engaged in the on-going development of an action plan for rehabilitation of the victims and NSDC is supporting the initiative by coordinating the activities proposed in the action plan through the establishment of this unit. The German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) made funds available to support the workers suffering from temporary and permanent injuries and rehabilitation is one of the areas through which PSES is disseminating this fund. This coordination unit will serve as a useful tool to synchronise all efforts under one umbrella.”
Mohammad Faizur Rahman, Joint Secretary, MoLE, said, “The Government of Bangladesh is always positive to support rehabilitation of the Rana Plaza victims and survivors and we believe there is need for an effective coordination. This tragedy has shown the resilience of the people in Bangladesh and we are grateful to the rescue teams for their tremendous efforts and the media representatives for the courageous coverage and dissemination of information.”
“The Coordination Cell is an important step among others that ILO is supporting with EU and internal financing to respond to the needs of Rana Plaza survivors. ILO is pleased to participate with other stakeholders in making the coordination unit a success”, said Arthur Earl Shears, Chief Technical Advisor, International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“Following the collapse of Rana Plaza building, lists of victims have been compiled by manyorganisations.However, stakeholders have raised concerns that the victims are disproportionately receiving support. Under these circumstances, the NSDC secretariat in consultation with ILO country Office Dhaka, has decided to step forward and assume responsibility for the coordination, in collaboration with all stakeholders”, said Mr.Jiban Kumar Chowdhury, CEO of NSDC.
