An evaluation of the project was done first part of 2023 to "promote learning and accountability as well as assess the CREST project's relevance, coherence,
effectiveness, efficiency, potential impact, sustainability, and the crosscutting themes of human rights, gender equality and the environment". "Final Evaluation
of the Enhancing Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking in Asia Project, 9 May, 2023 by Upendo Consulting, Katherine Garven and
Fernando Garabito."
Some of the findings:
- IOM is increasingly seen by stakeholders as a strategic partner who is filling an important role in the current human rights and business landscape and as a
crucial facilitator of private sector engagement towards respecting the human rights and labour rights of migrant workers.
- As of 31st December, 2022, 220 472 migrant workers and their families had benefited from CREST interventions.
- Numerous knowledge products, tools and policy developments have been developed and used by private sector partners. For example Migration Process
Mapping Guide, Migrant Worker Guidelines for Employers, Operational Guidelines for Businesses on Remediation of Migrant Worker Grievances andand E course on Introduction to the Management of Fair and Ethical Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers.
- The private sector financial contribution target of USD 5 million was surpassed achieving USD 7.6 million in private sector contributions. This reflects strong
commitment from private sector partners towards strengthening management systems that recruit and employ migrant workers to ensure their human and
labour rights.
- 17 private sector partnerships have been established including, for example, development of company specific tools and policies for recruitment and
employment of migrant workers and strengthening grievance mechanisms. 14 of these partnerships were with companies, 2 with business associations and one with a private sector foundation engaging 53 brands.
- 518 employers are eliminating employment fees.
- IOM has a comparative advantage to support private sector actors due to its institutional flexibility compared to other UN entities.
- During the COVID 19 pandemic, a new work stream was created focusing direct relief assistance to address the immediate pressing needs of migrant
workers and their families.
The positive results of CREST have contributed to the interest and plans of the EU delegation in Bangkok to support IOM's work on Migration, Business and
human rights in Asia promoting corporate responsibility and migrant worker's rights in supply chains.
