RugMark International

Mission

RugMark International e.V. (RMI) is an international non-governmental organization working to end illegal child labor in the handmade rug industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India and Nepal. The GoodWeave label is issued to rug manufacturers that adhere to the Generic GoodWeave Standard, agree to its independent verification and voluntarily join as licensees.

To learn more about the GoodWeave program at work, follow the Country Initiative links to the right of this page.

Governance

The work of RMI is governed by the Articles of Association, also known as the RMI Constitution (view in German / English).

• The RMI Council of Members is the highest decision-making body, which determines strategic objectives, sets policies and procedures, and oversees the implementation of the GoodWeave program.
• The GoodWeave Standards Committee leads the development of GoodWeave Standards and reports to the RMI Council (Terms of Reference / Standards Committee Biographies)
• GoodWeave national initiatives in producer and importer countries carry out the work of the GoodWeave program.

Policies & Procedures

• Constitutional issues and organizational policies are decided by the Council of Members, with input from relevant stakeholders, by majority voting with a balance of interests between producer and importer countries.
• RMI Operating Procedures (OP) direct the work of the RMI Secretariat. Draft documents are made available for review and comment by relevant stakeholders
  • RMI OP Development of GoodWeave Standards v.3, 18 January 10
  • RMI OP Complaints Against GoodWeave Standards v.1.1, 15 Feb 10

• The Council of Members delegates decision-making on the content of GoodWeave Standards to the Standards Committee. Issues relating to standard-setting are decided using a consensus approach.
• The GoodWeave Standards Committee’s work is guided by the Standards Committee Terms of Reference.
• RMI’s Child Protection Policy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and references the Child Protection Policies of Anti-Slavery International and Camfed.
• RMI funds partners to implement programs that address the root causes of child labor in carpet weaving communities, as well as those providing direct services to rescued and at-risk children.
  • GoodWeave Partnership and Funding Guidelines.

Strategic Objectives – 2009 to 2012

• Development of new Generic Standard for the rug industry
• Full Compliance with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice
• Market expansion into new importer and exporter countries
• Policy Development