WARBE Development Foundation is a grassroots migrants’ rights organization founded by returnee Bangladeshi migrant workers who understood the urgent need to protect migrants and their families. Emerging from returnee organizing in the late 1980s and formally established in 1997, WARBE has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most respected voices in the migration and development sector.
We have played a pioneering role in shaping rights-based migration policies, supporting government reform, and amplifying migrant voices at national, regional, and global platforms. With Special Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC, WARBE continues to influence international migration governance.
At the community level, WARBE operates Migration Information Support Centers across several districts, delivering counselling, legal support, safe migration training, and reintegration assistance. Over the years, our awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes, and direct support services have reached thousands of migrants, returnees, sub-agents, and families, strengthened resilience and prevented exploitation.
Our commitment remains clear: to build a migration system where every migrant can move safely, work with dignity, and return home empowered.
Our Mission
“Protecting Rights. Upholding Dignity. Empowering Migrants.”
- Protect migrant workers’ rights and ensure migration is a choice, not a compulsion.
- Provide accessible information, counselling, and support to migrants and their families.
- Raise awareness of vulnerabilities through community outreach and training.
- Advocate for rights-based laws and policies at all levels—local to global.
- Build partnerships with CSOs, UN agencies, government institutions, trade unions, and migrant groups.
Our Vision
We envision a future where migrants’ rights are respected in all circumstances, and where the contributions of migrants, diasporas, and their families are recognized and valued—everywhere they live and work.
Our Core Objectives
- Protect the rights of all migrants regardless of gender or legal status.
- Promote safe, orderly, gender-responsive migration.
- Highlight the development potential of labour migration at every level.
- Empower migrants to build strong platforms for advocacy and community leadership.
Our Values & Approach
Human Rights–Centered
We champion justice, dignity, and fundamental rights in every intervention.
Grassroots-Driven
Our work reflects the real experiences of migrants and their families.
Evidence-Based Advocacy
We transform lived realities into policy insights and reform recommendations.
Gender Equality & Inclusion
We ensure women migrants and vulnerable groups receive safe, fair, and equal support.
Partnership & Collaboration
We build strong alliances with civil society, trade unions, global networks, UN agencies, and government.
Transparency & Accountability
We uphold ethical standards and remain accountable to the communities we serve.
Resilience & Innovation
We adapt to changing migration trends with new solutions and strengthened capacity.