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Saturday, January 13, 2007
Migrant workers draft finalized
CEBU CITY -- Southeast Asian governments have finalized an accord that calls for the protection of millions of impoverished migrant workers in a region rife with labor rights abuses, an official said Friday.
Sun.Star Network Online's 12th Asean Summit Watch
The landmark declaration is to be signed today by the heads of state at the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said.
Under the accord, a copy of which was seen by the Associated Press, governments pledge to ensure decent working conditions, protection from all forms of abuse and a guaranteed wage to migrant workers from within the region.
The accord is not legally binding and does not require governments to change their labor laws, although they might at a later date decide to adopt a stronger and more binding agreement, Conejos said.
Regional officials have concluded negotiations and finalized the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, the first such region-wide accord, Conejos said.
"We cannot close our eyes to the fact that there are abuses," he told a news conference.
The diverse region of 567 million people-nearly a 10th of the world's population-includes wealthy Malaysia and Singapore, which receive millions of workers from poorer neighbors such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
Stiffer penalties
For years, stories of workers being physically abused, raped or exploited have abounded in the region, sullying its image and at times threatening to strain diplomatic relations between neighbors.
The accord also provides for workers who are arrested or detained to be given access to their embassies, while victims of discrimination, abuse, exploitation and violence should be given access to the legal and judicial services of the host government.
It also calls for stiffer penalties for illegal recruiters and smugglers of humans. However, the accord would not be used to legalize migrants working without work permits.
Asean leaders will also issue a joint communique acknowledging that workers "face grave risks of exploitation and abuse of their rights, freedom and safety." They will order officials to take steps to safeguard the plight of workers, according to a draft of the communique. (AP)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (January 13, 2007 issue)
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