Kathmandu, November 15: The International Conference on Protection of Rights of the Migrant Workers concluded here on Thursday (Nov 14) with a 21-point declaration and 10 points of Plan of Action. The conference that began on November 12 under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRC, Nepal) held extensive discussion on various challenges and prospects for protecting rights of the migrant workers through all stages of the migration process.
Furthermore, cooperation and partnerships based on international legal and cooperative frameworks as well as synergy between human rights mechanisms and joint political comments were deemed effective tools for the protection of migrant workers’ rights. In the declaration, the participating National Human Rights Institutions have agreed to facilitate cross-border oversight and monitoring of the human rights of migrants workers, irrespective of their status.
The NHRIs will also work to ensure effective access to justice and remedy, including by creating firewalls between service providers and immigration in cases of irregular migration. An agreement was also reached as a plan of action to undertake advocacy for policy and regulatory reforms, their harmonization and effective enforcement.
Efforts will also be made to set on a regional basis standards related to protection of rights of migrant workers. Representatives of NHRIs and delegates of 28 countries including host Nepal took part in the three-day event that ended with the declaration as an outcome document.
The Kathmandu Declaration calls on countries of origin, transit, and destination to put in place effective grievance mechanisms both at the State and non-State levels, which can provide effective access to justice and remedies. MoU between Nepal and Malaysia Meanwhile, as part of the conference, the NHRC, Nepal and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance and strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, collaboration and advocacy for respect and protection of rights of migrant workers and their families.
As per the MoU, both sides shall work together to improve migrant workers’ conditions and to support them in pursuing their rights. “The Parties agreed to work within their mandate to prevent cross border human trafficking, migrant smuggling and forced labor in Malaysia and Nepal.” The two sides will also engage to educate employers, workers and other appropriate persons on the rights of migrant workers.
They will meet every six months to discuss policy issues with the nomination of a focal point at both NHRIs to act as conduits of information sharing and coordinating joint activities. The MoU was signed by NHRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma and Tan Sri Othman bin Hashim, Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia. RSS
